FRIENDSHIP  OF  AMERICA 
FOR 
JAPAN 


THE 


FRIENDSHIP  OF  AMERICA 

FOR 

JAPAN 


LETTERS  FROM 

Presldenl  WOODROW  WILSON 
Secretary  WILLIAM  JENNINGS  BRYAN 

AND 

MANY  REPRESENTATIVE  AMERICANS 

TO  THE 

CHRISTIAN  EMBASSY  TO  JAPAN 

SENT  BY  THE 


FEDERAL  COUNCIL  OF  THE  CHURCHES 
OF  CHRIST  IN  AMERICA 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2017  with  funding  from 
Columbia  University  Libraries 


https://archive.org/details/friendshipofamer00fede_1 


I 

AN  INTRODUCTORY  STATEMENT. 


j 


What  is  the  real  attitude  of  America  toward  Japan  ? Is  it 
one  of  more  or  less  ill-will  and  suspicion,  or  is  it  one  of  essential 
good-will  ? Unquestionably  the  latter. 

President  Wilson  writes  in  his  letter  to  President 
Mathews  of  December  14,  1914  : — “ That  the  feeling  of 
America  toward  Japan  is  one  of  genuine  friendship  I think 
you  feel  as  strongly  as  I do,  and  any  message  of  friend- 
ship and  cooperation  and  mutual  good-will  is  undoubtedly 
from  the  American  people  themselves.” 

And  Secretary  Bryan  confirms  this  statement  by  his  letter 
to  Dr.  Mathews,  from  which  we  take  the  following  sentence. 

“ As  the  head  of  the  Council  of  Churches,  represent- 
ing thirty  great  denominations  and  something  like  seventeen 
millions  of  members,  your  words  ought  to  have  great 
weight  when  you  tell  the  people  there  of  the  genuine 
friendship  which  the  people  of  this  nation  feel  toward  the 
people  of  Japan.  There  is  no  country  with  which  our 
relations  are  more  amicable,  there  being  but  one  subject 
upon  which  the  two  nations  are  not  in  entire  agreement — 
the  California  question — and  I have  no  doubt  that  a 
solution  will  be  found  for  that  question  which  wil  be 
honorable  to  both  nations.” 

That  these  expressions  of  friendship  for  Japan  by  the 
official  heads  of  the  American  people  are  not  merely  official 
utterances  but  truly  represent  the  attitude  of  the  people  as  a 
whole,  the  appended  letters  and  excerpts  will  serve  to  show. 

In  order  that  the  reader  may  appreciate  the  significance 
of  these  letters,  a brief  stateinent  should  be  made  in  regard  to 
the  action  of  the  Federal  Council  in  the  establishment  of  the 
Commission  on  Relations  with  Japan  and  its  decision  to  send  a 
Christian  Embassy  to  Japan. 

As  indicated  in  the  sentence  from  the  letter  by  Secretary 
Bryan,  the  Federal  Council  of  the  Churches  of  Christ  in  America 
is  a delegated  body  representative  of  thirty  Protestant  churches 


and  denominations.  The  number  of  local  churches  in  these 
denominations  is  about  136,000,  and  the  number  of  communicant 
members  is  about  seventeen  million.  This  Federal  Council  has 
only  recently  come  into  existence  (1908)  and  is  therefore  only 
starting  upon  its  promising  career. 

Li  April  1914  the  Federal  Council  established  a " Com- 
mission on  Relations  with  Japan.”  The  purpose  of  this  Com- 
mission was  to  study  the  problem  of  the  relations  of  these  two 
countries  from  the  standpoint  of  the  teachings  of  Jesus  and  to 
take  such  steps  as  might  seem  needful  for  the  promotion  of 
mutual  good-will. 

This  Japan  Commission  has  already  provided  for  important 
investigations  in  the  United  States.  It  has  also  undertaken  an 
extensive  campaign  of  education  in  regard  to  American-Japanese 
relations.  For  the  further  promotion  of  this  campaign  it  has 
appointed  Shailer  Mathews,  President  of  the  Federal  Council  of 
tlie  Churches  of  Christ  in  America  and  Sidney  L.  Gulick,  Re- 
presentative on  International  Relations,  to  serve  as  a Christian 
Embassy  to  carry  to  the  Christians  of  this  land  the  greetings 
of  the  Christians  of  America  and  the  assurances  that  in  spite 
of  certain  appearances  to  the  contrary,  the  real  attitude  of 
America  as  a. whole  to  Japan  is  that  of  continued  good-will. 

The  need  for  this  ” Christian  Embassy  ” to  Japan  is  two- 
fold. We  desire  to  secure  fresh  material  for  the  more  effective 
carrying  out  of  the  campaign  of  education  in  America.  For 
although  the  general  attitude  of  America  to  Japan  is  as  stated 
above,  friendly,  yet  there  are  sinister  forces  at  work  making  for 
ill-will.  Moreover,  for  the  establishment  of  relations  mutually 
satisfactory,  certain  legislative  actions  are  needed  for  which  the 
American  public  must  be  prepared. 

In  the  second  place,  sinister  forces  seem  to  be  at  work 
also  in  Japan  leading  to  the  belief  by  many  Japanese  that  the 
attitude  of  America  to  Japan  is  that  of  more  or  less  pronounced 
disdain  and  animosity,  and  also  that  America  has  aggressive 


designs  in  the  Far  East.  During  the  autumn  months  many 
letters  from  Japan  told  of  a rising  spirit  of  unfriendliness 
toward  America,  and  the  development  rather  widely  of  the 
belief  that  a war  with  America  was  certain  and  more  or  less 
imminent. 

From  a correspondent  in  Kyushu  in  a letter  dated  Sept.  4 
we  quote  tlae  following  sentence  : — 

“ For  a long  time  I was  unwilling  to  believe  that 
the  Japanese  people  at  large  cherished  feelings  of  enmity 
towards  America,  but  the  evidence  that  they  are  waiting 
eagerly  for  an  opportunity  to  go  to  war  with  us  is  getting 
too  strong  to  be  any  longer  ignored  except  by  those  who 
are  wilfully  blind  or  wholly  out  of  touch  with  conditions 
here.  Not  only  is  the  ‘jingo  ’ tone  of  much  of  the  press 
very  pronounced  (I  have  been  shocked  at  some  of  the 
offensive  things  I have  seen  in  the  Japanese  papers),  but 
the  common  talk  is  all  toward  war.” 

Another  writer  from  central  Japan,  under  date  of  Oct.  7, 
writes  as  follov/s : — 

“ It  is  remarkable  what  a common  opinion  there  is 
eunong  the  common  people  that  war  between  Japan  and 
the  United  States  is  inevitable.  The  jingoistic  press  has 
pounded  that  idea  early  and  late  until  the  people  are 
coming  to  believe  it.  I am  just  back  from  a trip.  I was 
asked  several  times,  going  and  coming,  on  the  steamer, 
in  the  hotel,  by  the  Christians,  if  I considered  war  inevita- 
ble. Of  course,  I replied  that  it  was  wicked  even  to  talk 
about  it.  But  I am  coming  to  think  that  if  diplomacy 
does  not  settle  things  soon,  the  well-wishers  and  peace- 
lovers  will  avail  nothing,  and  there  will  be  a bolt  out  of 
the  blue  one  of  these  days,  just  as  there  was  in  Europe. 
Men  cannot  accustom  themselves  to  tlie  possibility  of 
such  a thing  as  war  without  producing  the  conditions 
which  make  it  inevitable.” 


4 


A letter  from  Kyoto  of  November  9 contains  the 
following : — 

“You  cannot  fail  to  have  recognized  in  the  Japanese 
press  the  tone  of  bitterness  and  irritation  that  characterizes 
many  of  their  articles  on  American-Japanese  relations,  and 
also  the  fact  that  they  tend  to  put  a sinister  interpretation 
on  many  of  the  acts  of  our  government  and  of  individual 
Americans.  I find  unmistakable  evidence  of  the  widely 
spread  feeling  of  irritation  and  resentment.  One  is  always 
asked,  ‘ Are  you  an  Englishman  ? ' and  when  one  replies, 

' No,  I am  an  American,’  a very  significant  silence  follows, 
and  one  cannot  but  feel  that  the  reply  is  unwelcome.” 

A letter  from  Tokyo  of  November  16  contains  the  follow- 
ing statements : — 

“ I regret  to  say  that  the  campaign  of  virulence  against 
the  United  States  still  goes  on  in  the  vernacular  press,  and 
since  the  outbreak  of  war  in  Europe  seems  to  be  more 
bitter  than  ever.  That  this  is  not  my  opinion  alone  you 
will  see  from  the  clippings  showing  protests  from  both 
Japan  and  America.  It  is  the  same  thing  that  went  on  for 
some  time  before  the  rupture  of  relations  with  Russia,  and 
I fear  it  will  lead  to  trouble  again  unless  the  people  of 
Japan  be  given  an  opportunity  of  knowing  the  other  side... 
The  mind  of  Japan  will  have  to  be  educated.  If  the  people 
find  that  every  wicked  thing  said  about  America  is  delibe- 
rately unfounded  and  malicious,  they  will  soon  learn  the 
difference.  There  is  a strong  feeling  against  Americans  at 
present,  and  they  feel  it  keenly.” 

Perhaps  the  most  impressive  statement  of  all  came  Decem- 
ber 6 from  a Japanese  friend,  a man  of  international  standing, 
not  a member  of  a Christian  church,  whose  reputation  entitles 
his  opinions  to  the  highest  credence  and  respect.  Among  other 
important  sentences  were  the  following  : — 

“ I am  indeed  sorry  to  say  that  a strong  undercurresit 


S 


of  anti-American  sendment  is  flowing  in  Japan  and  it  may 
burst  out  at  any  opportunity.  It  is  not  simply  an  effect  of 
the  California  question,  but  the  more  powerful  and  irritat- 
ing cause  lies  in  China.  Concession  after  concession  made 
to  America  by  China,  and  a most  irritating  one,  a proposal 
of  conceding  a naval  station  for  America  in  Fukien 
(opposite  Formosa)  are  causing  suspicion  and  resentment 

against  America  to  grow  without  a check I look 

forward  with  great  anxiety  for  the  future  of  the  Christian 
movement  in  the  Far  East.” 

Among  the  many  disturbing  factors  reported  have  been 
alleged  telegrams,  interviews,  and  speeches,  which  investigation 
has  shown  to  be  false.  They  have  asserted  an  anti-Japanese 
speech  by  Rear-Admiral  Nicholson  in  Pekin,  the  decision  of 
the  American  government  to  send  the  entire  battle  fleet  to  the 
Far  East,  the  assertions  of  a so-called  Paymaster  Malcock  with 
regard  to  the  near  approach  and  the  forces  of  the  American 
navy  involved,  the  negotiations  of  China  with  the  United  States 
for  the  possession  by  the  United  States  of  a naval  base  in 
China,  etc,,  etc. 

In  view  of  the  above  letters  and  conditions,  as  a prepara- 
tion for  the  visit  to  Japan  of  the  Christian  Embassy  it  seemed 
desirable  to  secure  as  adequate  a knowledge  as  possible  of  the 
attitude  to  Japan  of  representatNe  Americans.  For  this  pur- 
pose a letter  was  prepared,  embodying  the  above  and  other 
quotations  from  letters,  and  asking  several  questions.  The 
main  paragraphs  of  the  letter  are  as  follows  ; 

“ Baron  SakatanI,  Mayor  of  Tokyo,  which  office 
makes  him  one  of  the  most  influential  men  of  Japan,  w'rites 
in  the  latest  copy  of  the  ‘Peace  Movement  ’ in  Japan  that 
the  time  has  come  w'hen  influential  men  in  both  countries 
should  excliange  opinions  in  a most  unreserved  manner  • 
to  find  out  where  the  interests  of  the  two  nations  differ, 
and  W'hether  these  interests  cannot  be  harmonized  in  some 


6 


way,  and  if  so,  how.  The  results  of  their  investigations 
should  be  referred  to  the  governments  of  the  two  countries, 
which  would  subsequently  negotiate  the  differences  with 
the  utmost  sincerity. 

" In  view  of  the  many  misleading  rumors  that  are 
circulated  in  Japan  with  regard  to  tlie  ambitious  designs  of 
America  in  the  Far  East  and  our  alleged  intrigues  for 
blocking  the  expansion  of  Japan,  it  seems  desirable  that 
there  should  be  something  of  a widespread  expression  of 
opinion  on  the  part  of  leaders  in  this  country  that  may 
serve  to  quiet  the  fears  of  the  Japanese. 

" The  Commission  on  Relations  with  Japan  is  about 
to  send  on  a brief  visit  to  that  country  a delegation  con- 
sisting of  Dr.  Shailer  Mathews,  President  of  the  Federal 
Council,  and  myself.  We  think  that  it  will  materially  aid 
in  securing  helpful  results  if  we  can  take  with  us  letters  in 
regard  to  the  international  relations  from  a considerable 
group  of  American  leaders  of  public  opinion.  Will  you 
not  kindly  write  a letter,  not  to  exceed  three  hundred 
words,  expressing  very  frankly  your  thought  with  reference 
to  the  following  questions.” 

“ Does  the  United  States  have  any  desire  for  territorial 
expansion  in  the  Far  East  ? ” 

” Do  the  leading  citizens  of  the  United  States  feci 
that  a naval  port  anywhere  on  the  Continent  of  Asia  is 
needed  by  the  United  States  ? ” 

” Does  the  United  States  in  any  way  oppose  or  desire 
to  undermine  the  expansion  of  Japan’s  commerce  either 
in  Asia  or  elsewhere  ? ” 

“ Do  you  conceive  it  possible  that  the  United  States, 
for  purposes  of  selfish  aggression,  would  attack  Japan  or 
China  ? ” 

" What  is  the  ground  of  the  suspicion  of  Japan  more 
or  less  widespread  in  the  United  States  ? ” 


7 


The  above  letter  was  sent  to  a large  number  of  members 
of  denominations  connected  with  the  Federal  Council,  men 
representative  of, ‘important  groups  and  classes  of  socie^. 
They  generally  responded  to  our  request.  The  reading  of 
these  letters  produces  an  impression  of  remarkable  unanimity 
of  thought  and  feeling.  There  is  indeed  such  unanimity  that 
the  publication  of  all  the  letters  in  full  is  needless.  It  seems 
better  to  select  typical  replies  to  each  of  the  questions.  In  a 
few  cases  the  entire  letter  is  reproduced. 

The  official  Message  of  the  Federal  Council  of  the  Churches 
of  Christ  in  America  to  the  Christians  in  Japan  is  also  appended, 
and  two  important  resolutions. 

We  pray  that  He  Who  is  the  Heavenly  Father  of  all  men 
and  all^nations^may  guide  our  two  countries  into  relations  of 
growing  understanding,  good-will,  and  helpfulness. 

Shailer  Mathews, 

Sidney  L.  Guuck, 


8 


II 

Replies  to  the  letter  mentioned  in  the  foregoing  section 
were  recieved  from  more  than  sixty  gentlemen  whose  names 
(omitting  all  titles)  are  herewith  given  in  alphabetical  order, 
with  some  indication  of  their  social  positions.  Each  man  holds 
a position  of  high  trust,  and  was  selected  because  of  his  special 
familiarity  with  public  opinion  in  wide  sections  of  the  United 
States. 


9 


LIST  OF  CORRESPONDENTS 


Roger  W.  Babson,  President  of  Babson’s  Statistical  organi- 
zation, Boston,  Mass. 

Simeon  E.  Baldwin,  Governor  of  the  State  of  Connecticut. 

Jas.  L.  Barton,  Foreign  Secretary  of  the  American  Board 
of  Commissioners  of  Foreign  Missions,  Boston  Mass. 

Nolan  R.  Best,  Editor  of  the  "Continent,”  New  York 

City. 

VV.  C.  Bitting,  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the  Northern 
Baptist  Convention. 

H.  A.  Bridgeman,  Editor  of  the  Congregationalist,  Boston, 
Mass. 

Arthur  J.  Brown,  Secretary  of  the  Board  of  Foreign 
Missions  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States. 

Geo.  Warren  Brown,  Manufacturer  and  Capitalist,  St. 
Louis,  Mo. 

Kenyon  L.  Butterfield,  President  of  Massachusetts  Agricul- 
tural College. 

T.  N.  Carver,  Professor  of  Economics,  Harvard  University. 

P'rancis  E.  Clark,  Founder  and  President  of  the  United 
Societies  of  Christian  Endeavor,  Boston,  Mass. 

Geo.  W.  Coleman,  Former  President  of  the  American 
Adveitisers  Association,  Director  of  the  Ford  Hall  Foundation, 
Boston,  Mass. 

William  Knowles  Cooper,  General  Secretary  of  the  Young 
Men’s  Christian  Association  of  the  City  of  Washington. 

Hanford  Crawford,  Capitalist,  St.  Louis,  Mo. 

John  J.  Eagan,  Member  of  Congress,  Founder  and  Presi- 
dent of  the  Eagan  Schools,  Hoboken,  New  Jersey. 

W.  H.  P.  Faunce,  President  of  Brown  University,  Prov- 
idence, R.  I. 

Robert  PI.  Gardiner,  Secretary  of  the  World  Committee 
on  Faith  and  Order. 


lO 


Washington  Gladden,  Former  Moderator  of  the  National 
Council  of  the  Congregational  Churches  of  the  U.  S.  A. 

J.  M.  Glenn,  General  Director  of  the  Russel  Sage  Founda- 
tion, New  York. 

Jas.  N.  Gamble,  Capitalist,  Cincinnati,  Ohio. 

R.  P.  Hobson,  Congressman,  Alabama. 

Arthur  T.  Hadley,  President  Yale  University,  New  Haven, 
Conn. 

William  H.  Hagar,  Manufacturer,  Lancaster,  Pa. 

A.  W.  Harris,  President  Northwestern  University,  Chicago, 

111. 

Hubert  C.  Herring,  Secretary  of  the  National  Council  of 
the  Congregational  Churches  of  the  United  States  of  America. 

Hamilton  Holt,  Editor  of  the  Independent. 

Edwin  H.  Hughes,  Bishop  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  San  Francisco,  California. 

Harry  Pratt  Judson,  President  of  the  University  of 
Chicago. 

Henry  Churchill  King,  President  of  Oberlin  College, 
Oberlin,  Ohio. 

J.  H.  Kirkland,  Chancellor  Vanderbilt  University,  Nashville, 
Tenn. 

William  P.  Lipscomb,  Vice  President  of  the  District 
National  Bank,  Washington,  D.  C. 

Joshua  Levering,  Merchant  and  Capitalist,  Baltimore,  Md. 

R.  A.  Long,  Capitalist,  Kansas  City,  Mo. 

Seth  Low,  Former  Mayor  of  New  York  City,  Former 
President  of  Columbia  University,  President  of  the  Chamber  of 
Commerce  of  the  State  of  New  York. 

A.  Lawrence  Lowell,  President  of  Flarvard  University, 
Cambridge,  Mass. 

Mark  A,  Mathews,  P'ormer  Moderator  of  the  General 
Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Churcli  of  the  United  States. 

Edwin  Caldwell  Moore,  Professor  Han'^ard  University, 


President  of  the  American  Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign 
Missions,  Boston,  Mass. 

Frank  Morrison,  Secretary  of  the  American  Federation  of 
Labor,  Washington,  D.  C. 

E.  E.  Alcott,  President  of  the  Hudson  River  Day  Line, 
New  York  City. 

J.  R.  Pepper,  Vice  President  Union  and  Planters  Bank  and 
Trust  Co.,  Memphis,  Tenn. 

H.  K.  Porter,  Capitalist,  Washington,  D.  C. 

Rush  Rhees,  President  of  the  University  of  Rochester, 
New  York. 

William  North  Rice,  President  Wesleyan  University, 
Middletown,  Conn. 

William  H.  Roberts,  Stated  Clerk  of  the  General  Assembly 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  the  U.  S.  A. 

A.  M.  Scales,  Attorney,  Greensboro,  N.  C. 

Chas.  A Schieren,  Manufacturer,  New  York  City. 

William  Sliaw,  General  Secretary  United  Society  of  Chris- 
tian Endeavor. 

Wilh'am  P".  Slocum,  President  of  Colorado  College, 
Colorado. 

P.  F.  Stratton,  Physician,  Oakland,  Cal. 

Edward  A.  Steiner,  Professor  Iowa  College , Grinnell, 
Iowa. 

John  T.  Stone,  Former  Moderator  of  the  General  Assembly 
of  the  Presb)derian  Church  of  the  U.  S.  A. 

Thos.  W.  Synnott,  Executive  Committee  of  the  World’s 
Sunday  School  Association,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

G.  W.  F.  Swartzell,  Capitalist,  Washington,  D.  C. 

Fred  E.  Tasker,  Lawyer,  New  York  City. 

Chas.  L.  Thompson,  Secretary  of  the  Board  of  Home 
Missions  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  the  U.  S.  A. 

John  F.  Tobin,  General  President  Boot  and  Shoe  Workers 
Union,  Boston,  Mass. 


12 


George  E.  Vincent,  President  of  the  University  of  Minne- 
sota. 

E.  K.  Warren,  Chairman  of  the  World’s  Sunday  School 
Association. 

O.  W.  Whitelock,  President  of  the  Whitelock  Press, 
Huntington,  Indiana. 

Mary  J.  Wooley,  President  Mount  Holyoke  College,  South 
Hadley,  Mass. 

Heniy  Wallace,  Editor  “ Wallace's  Farmer  ” Des  Moines, 
Iowa. 

Herbert  Welch,  President  Ohio  Wesleyan  University, 
Delaware,  Ohio. 

Mornay  Williams,  Attorney,  New  York  City. 

Talcott  Williams,  Director  School  of  Journalism,  Columbia 
University,  New  York. 


: ' A- 


y 


1 


Ill 


As  already  indicated,  remarkable  unanimity  of  opinion  is 
expressed  in  all  the  letters.  Publication  accordingly  of  the 
entire  correspondence. seems  needless;  more  serviceable  will  it 
be  to  collect  typical  answers  to  each  of  the  five  questions. 


15 


QUESTION  NUMBER  ONE 

‘*l)oes  the  United  States  have  any  desire  for 
territorial  expansion  in  the  Far  East/' 

EEFLIES 

The  universal  answer  to  this  question  is  an  emphatic  “ No." 
Some  correspondents  go  further  and  say  that  not  only  b there 
no  desire  for  expansion  but  that  we  desire  rather  to  dispose  of 
what  Asiatic  territory  we  have.  The  United  States  has  twice 
entirely  withdrawn  its  troops  from  Cuba  after  military  occupancy 
of  that  island.  Further,  although  there  has  been  highly  provok- 
ing cause  for  the  military  occupation  of  Mexico,  where  America 
has  investments  amounting  to  hundreds  of  millions  of  dollars 
yet  America  has  refused  to  interfere  in  the  affairs  Mexico,  and 
the  policy  of  President  Wilson  is  almost  universally  approved  by 
the  people  of  the  United  States.  These  facts  are  clear  evidence 
that  America  has  no  “ Imperial  Policy."  Finally — the  widely 
felt  desire  of  Americans  to  give  autonomy  to  the  Philippines  as 
soon  as  is  practicable  is  proof  that  America  has  no  desii'e  for 
Asiatic  territory.  On  this  point  we  append  extracts  from  seven 
leters. 

“ I am  confident  that  most  of  the  people  of  the  United 
States  not  only  do  not  desire  territorial  expansion  in  the 
Far  East,  but  that  large  numbers  of  them  would  like  to 
have  the  United  States  withdraw  from  the  position  which 
it  now  occupies  there." 

“ Within  two  years  I have  travelled  all  over  the  United 
States  and  am  also  in  close  touch  with  men  of  thought  and 
action  from  every  part  of  the  country.  Never  have  I seen 
the  least  indication  of  a desire  on  the  part  of  the  people 
of  the  United  States  for  territorial  expansion  in  the  Far 
East." 

" As  actions  speak  louder  than  words,  I would  cite 
our  recent  relations  with  Mexico,  where  every  opportunity, 

i6 


including  the  killing  of  our  men  by  ‘ snipers/  was  offered 
for  us  to  add  to  our  territory  a great  tract  of  land  rich  in 
many  kinds  of  wealth,  Cuba  might  also  be  cited,  and  the 
fact  of  the  desire  of  the  American  people  to  retire  from 
the  Philippines  as  soon  as  conditions  are  stable  enough  to 
warrant.” 

“ So  far  as  I have  ever  known  or  heard,  the  United 
States  Government  as  represented  by  the  two  great  political 
parties  has  never  expressed  or  really  considered  any 
t1 ’.ought  of  territorial  expansion  in  the  Far  East.  When 
the  Philippines  were  thrust  upon  us  in  1898  like  a ‘bolt 
out  of  the  blue  ’ the  country  was  about  evenly  divided  as 
to  whether  we  should,  in  the  emergency,  accept  so  much 
as  a protectorate  over  the  Islands.  It  must  be  manifest 
now,  from  the  action  of  the  present  Administration,  that 
their  tendency  is  to  relinquish  as  much  as  possible  even  of 
the  control  of  these  Islands  to  the  native  government  and 
to  weaken  even  our  present  position  in  that  section.” 

“ Undoubtedly  the  United  States  Government  and  its 
people  have  no  desire  whatever  for  territorial  expansion 
in  the  Far  East.  Action  already  taken  by  Congress 
indicates  that  they  want  to  give  up  their  responsibility  for 
the  Philippines  as  soon  as  it  can  be  done  without  danger  to 
the  people  of  the  Philippines.  I believe  that  this  action 
meets  with  the  hearty  concurrence  of  the  majority  of  the 
people  of  the  United  States,” 

“ As  for  the  masses  of  men  and  women  who  earn 
their  living  by  honest  toil,  I doubt  if  they  give  serious 
consideration  to  territorial  expansion  in  the  Far  East  even 
when  wily  politicians  make  ‘ imperialism  ’ a campaign 
issue.” 

‘‘I  do  not  believe  that  any  serious  man  in  the  United 
States  desires  territorial  expansion  in  the  Far  East.  Our 
possession  of  the  Philippines  was  an  accident.  There  are 


17 


many  who  heartily  wish  we  were  rid  of  them.  Even  those 
who  feel  we  should  for  the  present  retain  them  do  so  be- 
cause they  think  that  the  result  of  our  sudden  relinquishment 
of  the  Islands  would  be  anarchy.  . . . The  course  of 

America  with  reference  to  both  Cuba  and  Mexico  shows 
that  despite  the  fact  that  we  too  suffer  from  a jingo  press, 
yet  the  most  of  our  people  and  those  who  really  make 
public  sentiment,  do  not  want  accession  to  our  territory 
and  will  do  anything  which  can  be  done  with  honor  to 
avoid  war  with  anybody.” 


l8 


aUESTION  NUMBER  TWO 

“ Do  leading  citizens  of  the  United  States  feel  that 
a naval  base  anywhere  on  the  continent  of  Asia  is 
needed  by  the  United  States  ? ” 

REPLIES 

This  question  was  definitely  asked  because  of  the  story 
widely  circulated  in  Japan  that  negotiations  are  on  foot  between 
America  and  China  for  the  ceding  to  America  of  such  a base  in 
the  province  of  Fukien,  opposite  Formosa. 

The  negative  answer  to  this  quesion  is  equally  unanimous. 
Even  the  question  itself  is  absolutely  new  to  most  of  the  writers. 
It  is  probably  safe  to  say  that  not  one  in  a thousand  of  Amer- 
ican citizens  has  ever  heard  the  question  even  suggested.  The 
Department  of  State  in  Washington  denied  the  existence  of  any 
such  alleged  negotiations.  Because  of  the  practical  identiy  of 
the  various  replies  we  quote  only  four. 

"This  is  to  me  an  entirely  new  proposal,  and  I 
cannot  imagine  that  the  idea  could  command  popular 
approval.” 

" The  United  States  do  not  feel  that  a naval  port  any- 
where on  the  continent  of  Asia  is  needed  by  the  United 
States.” 

" I have  never  myself  heard,  nor  can  I learn  by  care- 
ful inquiry  of  officials  and  of  Americans  who  have  long  been 
resident  in  the  East,  the  thought  even  expressed  that 
there  was  the  slightest  occasion  for  the  United  States  to 
have  any  naval  station  on  the  continent  of  Asia.  Only 
yesterday  a gentleman  long  resident  in  Shanghai  said  that 
to  his  knowledge  the  idea  had  never  been  suggested.” 

" I have  heard  no  specific  desire  expressed  for  a naval 
port  on  the  continent  of  Asia  : and  so  long  as  we  are  left 
undisturbed  in  the  Philippines  I do  not  think  any  such 
desire  is  likely  to  manifest  itself.” 


19 


aUESTION  KUMBEE  THEEE 

“ Does  the  United  States  of  America  in  any  way 
desire  to  oppose  or  to  undermine  the  expansion  of 
Japan’s  commerce  either  in  Asia  or  elsewhere  ? ” 

EEPIIES 

It  is  of  course  recognized  by  all  the  writers  that  whei'ever 
individuals  whether  of  different  or  of  the  same  people  compete 
for  trade  each  seeks  his  own  advantage.  And  this  is  universally 
recognized  as  legitimate.  The  correspondents  however,  all  hold 
that  the  United  States,  so  far  as  they  know  does  not  wish  to 
exert  any  preferential  governmental  influence  for  the  promotion 
of  American  commerce  in  the  Far  East.  The  American  policy 
is  that  of  the  “ open  door  ” — equal  opportunity  for  all. 

“ Never  in  the  last  five  years  have  I heard  or  read  a 
word  from  any  of  my  fellow  citizens  indicating  a desire  to 
oppose  or  undermine  the  expansion  of  Japan’s  commerce, 
either  in  Asia  or  elsewhere.” 

“ The  United  States  I am  confident  has  no  desire  to 
interfere  with  or  to  oppose  the  expansion  of  the  commerce 
of  any  section  of  the  world.  Although  myself  a merchant 
for  many  years  engaged  in  handling  to  a considerable 
extent  articles  of  merchandise  made  in  the  East,  I have 
never  heard  the  thought  expressed  that  the  United  States 
had  anything  to  gain  by  even  discouraging  the  commerce 
of  Japan  in  Asia  or  elsewhere.  In  fact  ‘ an  open  door  ’ is 
our  trade  motto.” 

“ In  the  groups  of  men  with  whom  I have  come  in 
contact  there  is  no  desire  to  oppose  the  expansion  of  the 
commerce  of  Japan  or  of  any  other  nation,  so  long  as  the 
goods  sold  are  what  they  are  represented  to  be.  But  you 
will  readily  understand  that  in  business  circles  people  fear 
additional  competitors,  and  there  would  probably  be  many 
groups  of  men  who  would  desire  to  oppose  the  extension 


of  individual  lines  of  Japanese  business  activity — not  as  a 
matter  of  national  policy,  but  as  a matter  of  individual 
business.” 

“Japan  has  absolute  necessity  of  expansion  beyond 
her  borders.  For  that  necessity  we  have  no  parallel. 
Her  position  in  that  regard  is  somewhat  like  that  of  Eng- 
land. It  ought  not  to  be  impossible  for  her  to  achieve 
that  which  is  necessary  without  crime,  and  for  us  to  view 
that  achievement  without  jealousy.  The  largest  factor  in 
the  problem  at  the  present  moment,  in  my  opinion,  is  the 
maintenance  of  a just  and  generous  mind  on  the  part  of  the 
people  of  the  United  States.” 

“ I believe  that  the  United  States  regard  witli 
sympathy  the  development  of  Japanese  commerce.  Trade 
involves  competition  between  nations  as  well  as  behveen 
individuals,  but  I see  no  reason  why  we  should  have  any 
rivalry  with  Japan  in  the  commercial  field  other  than  a 
generous  and  friendly  one.” 


21 


QUESTION  NUMBER  FOUR 

‘'Do  you  conceive  it  possible  that  the  United 
States  for  purposes  of  selfish  aggression  would  attack 
Japan  and  China. 

HEFLIES 

Again  answers  are  unanimously  and  emphatically  nega- 
tive. This  question  also  was  sent  to  the  correspondents 
because  of  the  reported  widespread  belief  among  the  com" 
mon  people  of  Japan  that  war  with  America  is  inevitable 
and  that  America  is  likely  to  attack  Japan  at  any  convenient 
moment. 

Those  who  really  know  America  assert  that  such  a belief 
is  absolutely  unfounded  and,  in  fact,  grotesque.  Every  letter 
states  this  position  in  the  most  positive  way.  Should  America 
be  attacked  by  enemies  there  would  of  course  be  not  only  resis- 
tance but  counter  attack  if  possible.  But  military  aggression 
either  upon  China  or  Japan  for  the  sake  of  trade  or  territorial 
expansion  is  inconceivable.  America  has  no  “ imperialistic  ” 
policy  or  spirit. 

The  following  quotations  surely  make  this  point  clear. 

“ It  is  absolutely  inconceivable  that  the  United  States, 
for  purposes  of  self  aggrandizement  would  attack  Japan 
or  China.” 

“ I do  not  believe  that  it  is  possible  for  the  United 
States  for  purposes  of  selfish  aggression  to  inaugurate  a war 
upon  Japan  or  China.  The  course  which  the  United 
States  have  taken  in  reference  to  China  may  be  taken  as 
evidence  that  that  which  I have  said  is  not  mere  opinion. 
There  has  been  no  disposition  to  take  the  smallest  bit  of 
territory  in  China,  even  when  most  other  powers  were 
seizing  points  of  advantage.” 

**  The  fact  that  there  is  still  room  for  development  at 
home  lessens  the  probability  of  an  aggressive  foreign 


22 


policy  of  conquest.  Such  a policy  is  completely  out  of 
harmony  with  national  traditions  and  ideals. 

“ As  to  America  ever  attacking  Japan  or  China,  the 
people  would  rise  against  a party  advocating  such  an  action 
en  masse  and  send  it  home  in  disgrace.  But  if  we  were 
attacked,  the  response  of  the  people  would  be  instantaneous 
and  well-nigh  unanimous.” 

“ I believe  it  is  utterly  impossible  that  the  United 
States  would  for  purposes  of  aggression,  or  for  any  other 
purpose,  attack  China  or  Japan.  In  the  whole  range  of 
possible  international  transactions  my  imagination  fails  to 
coryure  up  any  situation  which  would  lead  to  a deliberate 
and  selfishly  aggressive  attack  by  the  United  States  upon 
any  nation.” 

“ It  is  beyond  any  conception  of  possibility  in  my 
mind  that  the  United  States  should  ever,  for  purposes  of 
self  aggression,  attack  Japan  or  China.  I simply  cannot 
imagine  any  such  action  on  the  part  of  our  country.  I 
believe  that  the  overwhelming  sentiment  of  the  United 
States  is  for  the  most  cordial  relations  with  Japan  and 
every  other  country.  The  number  of  those  who  think 
otherwise  is  comparatively  insignificant.” 

“It  is  not  within  the  range  of  possibility  that  the 
United  States  for  the  purpose  of  selfish  gain,  would  attack 
Japan,  China  or  any  other  nation.  Our  people  would  not 
stand  for  such  an  act,  and  our  rulers  would  not  consider 
it.” 

“ I cannot  conceive  it  possible  for  the  United  States 
to  make  an  attack  upon  Japan  or  China  for  purposes 
of  selfish  aggression.” 

“ It  is  to  me  inconceivable  that  the  United  States 
would  for  any  reason  other  than  extreme  necessity  for  self 
defence  attack  any  nation  whatever.” 

“ It  is  just  as  incredible  that  the  United  States  would 


23 


attack  China  or  Japan  for  purposes  of  aggression  as  it  is 
that  Ohio  should  attack  Illinois  or  Michigan  for  such 
purposes.  Nobody  but  a crazy  man  could  dream  of  such 
a thing.” 

“ I cannot  imagine  that  the  United  States  would  ever 
attack  Japan  or  China  except  in  self-defense." 

“ Nothing  seems  more  improbable  than  that  the 
United  States  would  attack  Japan  or  China,  or  for  that 
matter  any  other  power  for  purposes  of  selfish  aggression. 
Most  emphatically  public  feeling  is  against  this.” 

“The  United  States  for  no  purposes  of  selfish 
aggression  could  ever  be  made  to  attack  Japan  or  China.” 


24 


QUESTION  NUMBER  FIVE 

“ What  is  the  ground  of  the  suspicion  of  Japan, 
more  or  less  widespread  in  the  United  States  ? ” 

EEFLIES 

Evidently  thei'e  is  no  general  suspicion  of  Japan  in  Amer- 
ica. On  this  question  alone  is  there  difference  of  opinion. 
Some  assert  that  there  is  no  suspicion  whatever.  Others  admit 
that  there  is  some  but  they  regard  it  as  the  work  of  agitators. 
Still  others  feel  that  there  is  suspicion  and  that  it  is  widespread 
and  grounded  on  facts.  The  various  causes  assigned  for  the 
suspicion  are  “ yellow  journalism  ” in  America  and  Japan, 
alleged  Japanese  “ imperialistic  ” policies  and  Japanese  military 
equipment  and  preparations.  Notable  is  the  slight  reference  to 
the  lace  issue,  and  even  to  economic  competition. 

Emphasis  must  be  placed  on  the  important  fact  that  these 
statements  regarding  suspicion  of  Japan  are  made  by  men 
whose  strong  statements  of  good-will  for  Japan  and  denial 
of  an  imperialistic  ” policy  in  America  have  already  been 
quoted. 

We  give  quotations  from  many  letters  that  the  reader  may 
see  how  widely  varied  are  the  opinions. 

" Whatever  suspicion  there  is  in  the  United  States  as 
to  Japan’s  motive  is  fostered  entirely  by  a yellow  press 
and  certain  jingoistic  and  militaristic  elements  that  have 
something  to  gain  by  such  agitation.  The  American 
people  as  a whole  are  profoundly  friendly  toward  Japan.” 

” It  is  my  opinion  that  the  suspicion  of  Japan  in  the 
United  States  is  almost  entirely  artificial  and  is  fomented 
in  the  war-scare  promulgated  once  in  a while  by  a com- 
paratively few  of  our  people.  ...  In  my  opinion  the 
sole  difficulty  in  our  general  relations  with  Japan  is 
economic.” 

” Suspicion  of  Japan  arises  from  the  not  infrequent 


25 


report  that  Japan  has  designs,  and  from  rumors  of  an 
unfriendly  attitude  of  the  people  of  Japan.” 

" There  is  a suspicion  more  or  less  widespread  in  the 
United  States  that  the  Japanese  Government  and  the 
Japanese  people.  . . . would  like  to  acquire  territory 

somewhere,  and  that  she  may  be  looking  to  this  western 
hemisphere  for  such  an  outlet.  There  is  also  a belief 
that  the  Japanese  government  some  years  ago  entered 
upon  a campaign  of  educating  the  Japanese  people  in 
the  belief  that  a war  with  the  United  States  was 
imminent.” 

” Certainly  among  no  substantial  portion  of  our 
population  is  there  the  slightest  inclination  to  deal  with 
Japan  in  any  other  than  the  most  neighborly  and  friendly 
fashion.  The  fear  that  Japan  intends  some  ill  stroke  against 
America  is  occasioning  nervousness  in  many  quarters,  but 
strong  and  increassingly  stronger  forces  are  at  work  to 
demonstrate  to  persons  of  that  opinion  that  Japan  on  the 
contrary,  is  fully  desirous  of  continuing  its  traditional 
amity  with  the  United  States.” 

" The  ground  for  the  suspicion  of  Japan  more  or  less 
widespread  in  the  United  States  is  the  fear  of  the  expansion 
of  the  Japanese  population  on  the  American  continent, 
which  expansion  of  population  would  inevitably  result  in 
Japanese  territorial  expansion." 

” Whatever  suspicion  there  may  be  in  the  minds  of 
any  of  the  American  people  is  due  to  the  Occident  not 
understanding  the  Orient,  and  is  not  especially  applicable 
to  the  Japanese.  The  removal  of  the  friction  on  the 
Pacific  Coast,  due  to  local  and  economic  causes,  and  the 
increasing  interchange  of  commerce,  ideas  and  good-will 
will  soon  obliterate  even  the  rather  unintelligent  suspicion 
of  Japan  which  now  prevails  in  some  quarters.” 

” Our  nation  is  suffering,  as  I understand  Japan  is. 


26 


from  ' yellow  journalism.’  To  them  is  due  any  manifesta- 
tions that  may  have  seemed  unfriendly  to  Japan.” 

“ Any  suspicion  of  Japan  which  may  exist  in  America 
has  grown  out  of  the  reports  which  have  been  brought  to 
America  of  the  attitude  of  the  Japanese  press  with  relation 
to  the  United  States.” 

“ I know  no  ground  for  any  suspicion  of  Japan  in  the 
United  States  nor  do  I think  there  is  any  such  suspicion 
widely  spread.” 

“ I would  not  say  that  there  was  widespread  suspicion 
of  Japan  in  the  United  States.  I would  say  rather  that 
there  was  a large  amount  of  indifference  and  ignorance 
about  Japan.  Whatever  suspicion  there  is  probably  arises 
from  a fear  of  mingling  with  Eastern  races  and  from  the 
fear  by  labor  unions  of  competition.” 

” There  is  no  suspicion  of  Japan  in  the  United  States 
and  there  is  no  ground  of  suspicion  except  that  which  may 
be  created  within  a small  circle  by  the  infamous  yellow 
journals,  or  the  labor  unions  of  the  country  who  fear  the 
introduction  of  coolie  labor.  If  such  is  to  be  considered  a 
ground  of  suspicion  it  is  wholly  an  economic  ground  and 
not  a racial  prejudice  or  suspicion.  The  labor  unions  for 
economic  reasons  might  object  to  Japanese  laborers  taking 
their  places.  Their  objections  would  be  based  wholly  on 
economic  reasons,  not  racial.” 

” I do  not  believe  there  is  a widespread  suspicion  of 
the  Japanese  in  the  United  States.  I know  that  the  senti- 
ment against  the  Japanese  is  acute  in  the  Pacific  Coast 
States,  more  particularly  in  California.  I believe  that  that 
lias  been  a question  very  largely  of  the  wages  for  labor  : 
. . . meantime,  we  should  work  for  constitutional 
changes  in  our  country  by  which  it  should  be  made 
impossible  for  the  prejudice  of  one  State  or  group  of 
States  to  control  the  policy  and  legislation  of  the  nation  as 


27 


a whole  aiid  especially  to  render  uncertain  the  fulfillment  of 
treaty  pledges.” 

" Whatever  suspicion  exists  is  based  upon  the  follow- 
ing : . . . low  moral  standards ; ...  their 

aggressive  attitude  as  immigrants  in  this  country ; their 
attempts  to  get  control  of  strategic  positions  in  this  con- 
tinent, as  in  Mexico  and  in  Midvale,  Pa. ; the  militarism 
which  dominates  the  national  life ; the  detailed  preparedness 
for  the  recent  wars  they  have  waged ; their  industrious 
efforts  to  secure  information  as  to  the  defenses  and 
resources  of  our  country.  Added  to  these  is  the  racial 
suspicion  and  antipathy  which  is  general  in  those  sections 
which  contain  the  greatest  number  of  Orientals.” 

” The  only  ground  of  suspicion  of  Japan  that  I can 
discover  is  a fear  that  the  Japanese  feel  outraged  against 
the  treatment  of  their  people  by  the  Pacific  Coast  States 
particularly  California,  and  therefore  desire  revenge. 
Constant  reports  come  to  this  country  that  this  is  the 
popular  feeling  in  Japan  and  is  catered  to  by  local  papers 
generally.” 

“ The  ground  for  the  suspicion  of  the  Japanese  so  far 
as  I am  able  to  discover  grows  out  of  the  frequent  reports 
that  come  to  America  that  there  is  persistent  antagonistic 
feeling  on  the  part  of  Japan  toward  the  United  States.” 

” If  there  is  any  widespread  suspicion  of  Japan  in  the 
United  States  I am  not  aware  of  it.  ...  If  there  is 
any  such  feeling  I believe  it  proceeds  entirely  from  a vague 
ill-defined  fear  of  the  so-called  yellow  peril  which  has  been 
permitted  to  creep  into  certain  minds  and  has  never  been 
tested  by  any  real  investigation  of  the  facts.” 

” If  is  difficult  to  explain  the  ground  for  the  suspicion 
alluded  to  in  question  five.  Japan  has  risen  so  rapidly  to 
the  position  of  a world  power  and  has  so  successfully  and 
aggressively  carried  on  its  large  undertakings,  that  some 


28 


liave  imagined  it  might  have  designs  upon  our  commerce 
and  territory  ; but  I think  the  subject  is  a very  difficult  one 
to  analyze,  and  do  not  believe  that  anyone  can  point  to 
particular  acts  of  the  Japanese  which  would  lay  the 
foundations  for  such  a suspicion.” 

“ In  my  opinion  the  real  basis  of  any  opposition  to  the 
Japanese  in  San  Francisco  and  the  Pacific  Coast  generally 
comes  from  the  workers  whose  wages  have  been  undex- 
mined  by  employers  who  have  used  the  Japanese  as  a 
means  of  reducing  wages.” 

" A few  men  profess  cause  for  alarm  and  Congressman 
Hobson  is  the  most  conspicuous  one ; he  has  by  his 
lectui'es  ci'eated  a suspicion  that  Japan  was  not  friendly  to 
us  ; but  this  suspicion  is  not  widespread  ; most  people  think 
his  suspicions  almost  wholly  groundless.” 

“ Economic  rivalry  is  easily  changed,  especially  by 
demagogues,  into  racial  rivalry,  and  for  the  most  part,  this 
is  the  root,  in  my  judgment  of  the  feeling  existing,  so  far  as 
it  does  exist,  against  the  Japanese.  . . . The  second 

reason  is  the  malicious  fomenting  of  differences  between 
the  United  States  and  Japan  by  those  who  share  the 
militai'istic  spirit.” 


29 


\ ^ ry  / 


\ 


.ti 


...J 


I 


«’] 

* ^ 

■'■  .^1 


IV 

In  addition  to  the  many  brief  quotations  given  in  section 
III  it  seems  desirable  to  give  a few  of  the  letters  practically 
entire. 


31 


WOODROW  WILSON 
President  of  the  United  States 

Dec.  14,  1914. 

My  dear  Dr.  Mathews, 

I greatly  enjoyed  our  interview  the  other  day  and  find 
myself  deeply  and  genuinely  interested  in  the  mission  you  are 
undertaking  to  Japan.  Everything  which  can  bring  about  a 
better  and  more  cordial  relation  between  the  i>eople  of  this 
country  and  the  people  of  Japan  has,  I need  not  tell  you,  my 
earnest  approval. 

That  the  feeling  of  America  towards  Japan  is  one  of 
genuine  friendship  I think  you  believe  as  strongly  as  I do,  ajid 
any  message  of  friendship  and  co-operation  and  mutual  good 
will  is  undoubtedly  from  the  American  people  themselves. 

Cordially  and  sincerely  yours, 

(Signed)  Woodrow  Wilson. 


32 


WILIJAM  JENNINGS  BRYAN 
Secretary  of  State 

December  lo,  1914. 

Doctor  Shailer  Mathews, 

President  of  the  Federal  Council  of  the 
Churches  of  Christ  in  America. 

My  dear  Doctor : 

I am  very  much  gratified  to  learn  that  you  are  going  to 
Japan.  The  visit  which  I made  to  that  country  nine  years  ago, 
although  brief,  made  a lasting  impression  upon  me  and  when- 
ever I have  had  opportunity  I have  been  glad  to  advise  others 
to  make  the  trip.  It  is  especially  fortunate  that  one  of  your 
general  intelligence  and  commanding  position  should  acquaint 
yourself  with  our  neighbors  across  the  Pacific. 

As  Secretary  of  State  I shall  give  you  letters  to  Count 
Okuma  and  our  diplomatic  and  consular  officers,  but  I desire 
unofficially  and  in  my  personal  capacity,  to  assure  you  of  the 
high  hopes  that  I entertain  of  the  value  of  your  visit — not  to 
yourself  alone,  but  also  to  those  among  whom  you  go. 

As  the  head  of  the  Council  of  Churches,  representing 
thirty  great  denominations  and  something  like  seventeen 
millions  of  members,  your  words  ought  to  have  weight  when 
you  tell  the  people  there  of  the  genuine  friendship  which  the 
people  of  this  nation  feel  toward  the  people  of  Japan.  There  is 
no  country  with  which  our  relations  are  more  amicable,  there 
being  but  one  subject  upon  which  the  two  nations  are  not  in 
entire  agreement — the  California  question — and  I have  no  doubt 
that  a solution  will  be  found  for  that  question  which  will  be 
honorable  to  both  nations.  In  fact,  I cannot  believe  that  any 
dispute  can  arise  between  two  such  nations  as  the  United  States 
and  Japan  which  will  not  yield  to  a peaceful  settlement,  both 
nations  being  animated  as  they  are  by  a desire  for  justice  and 
by  sincere  friendship  each  toward  the  other. 


33 


In  Christ’s  prayer  from  the  cross — " Father  forgive  them 
for  they  know  not  what  they  do,” — a reason  for  error  was 
given  which  has  not  been  sufficiently  recognized.  Lack  of 
knowledge  is  the  fruitful  source  of  many  misunderstandings, 
international  as  well  as  individual,  and  mutual  acquaintance 
must  in  the  end  result  in  increased  amity  and  friendship. 

I am  sure  your  visit  to  Japan  will  not  only  enable  you  to 
exert  a larger  influence  in  informing  the  American  people,  but 
that  during  your  stay  in  Japan  you  will  be  able  to  increase  the 
respect  and  confidence  of  the  people  there  for  our  Government 
and  our  people  by  presenting  American  ideals  and  purposes. 

As  you  associate  with  the  leaders  of  Japanese  thought 
please  gather  from  them  any  suggestions  that  may  be  offered  ; 
ascertain  what  obstacles  lie  in  the  way  and  what  acts  cause  mis- 
understanding, and  upon  your  return  give  us  the  benefit  of  }'’our 
observations  and  judgment. 

Yours  very  truly, 

(Signed)  W.  J.  Bryan. 


34 


SIMEON  E.  BALDWIN 
Governor  of  the  State  of  Connecticut 

New  Haven,  December  17,  1914. 

Professor  Sliailer  Mathews, 

President,  etc.  etc. 

My  dear  Sir, 

I am  glad  to  hear  that  you  are  planning  a trip  to  Japan, 
as  a representative  of  the  Federal  Council  of  the  Churches  of 
Christ  in  America. 

I hope  that,  during  your  visit  to  that  empire,  you  will  be 
able  to  strengthen  the  feeling  of  thoughtful  men  there  that  the 
United  States  have,  as  a whole,  only  the  friendliest  sentiments 
towards  Japan  and  the  Japanese.  It  is  always  hard  for  a 
foreigner  fully  to  appreciate  the  fact  that  the  States,  as  States, 
have  no  direct  share  in  adjusting  the  foreign  relations  of  the 
United  States,  although  their  legislatures  have  large  sovereign 
powers  in  local  affairs. 

I think  the  general  opinion  in  the  United  States  at  large  is 
that  a mistake  was  made  when  we  accepted  a cession  by  Spain 
of  the  Philippine  Islands,  and  that  the  plans  of  the  present 
administration,  looking  to  relinquishing  our  title  to  them  to 
their  people  at  no  very  distant  day  have  the  general  approval 
of  the  country.  We  do  not  want  to  hold  permanently  any 
possessions  belonging  to  another  hemisphere.  We  are  “ the 
United  States  of  America,”  and  our  Constitution,  in  giving 
that  name,  seems  to  exclude  our  acquisition  of  any  territory  for 
the  purpose  of  forming  any  new  State  in  Europe,  Asia,  or 
Africa. 

We  hope,  as  a people,  that  our  trade  with  Japan  may 
increase,  and  look  with  friendly  interest  at ; her  rapid  growth  in 
other  directions. 

Japan  has  had  an  immense  influence  in  '.developing  Asiatic 
institutions  and  promoting  Asiatic  importance  in  the  commercial 


35 


and  political  world.  The  United  States  are  proud  of  having 
helped  powerfully,  during  the  last  half  of  tlie  nineteenth 
century,  in  starting  Japan  on  its  new  career ; and  fully 
sympathise  with  her  spirit  of  national  patriotism.  They  have 
no  wish  except  that  justice  and  peace  may  always  rule  the 
relations  of  the  Japanese  empire  and  the  American  republic  ; 
each  respecting  the  institutions  of  the  other,  as  best  suited  to  the 
conditions  of  its  own  people. 

Yours  very  truly, 

(Signed)  Simeon  E.  Baldwin. 


3^ 


ARTHUR  J.  BROWN 

Secretary  of  the  Board  of  B^oreign  Missions  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States. 

Dean  Shailer  Mathews,  D.D., 

University  of  Chicago, 

Chicago,  Illinois. 

My  dear  Dr.  Mathews : — 

I am  exceedingly  glad  that  you  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Sidney 
L.  Gulick  are  to  visit  Japan  with  the  special  purpose  of  express- 
ing to  the  Japanese  people  the  friendly  interest  of  the  United 
States  and  the  earnest  desire  which  all  of  them  feel  for  the  con- 
tinuance of  the  most  amicable  relations  between  the  two  coun- 
tries. I am  painfully  aware  that  there  are  some  Americans 
who  have  talked  of  the  trouble  between  the  two  countries,  and 
that  certain  professional  agitators  and  political  demagogues 
have  said  and  done  some  things  which  give  occasion  for  just 
complaint.  I am  absolutely  certain,  however,  that  a suggestion 
that  any  considerable  portion  of  respectable  Americans  cherish 
hostile  sentiments  against  the  Japanese  would  be  greeted  with 
derision  anywhere  in  the  United  States,  except  possibly  in  a few 
local  communities  which  are  not  representative  of  the  national 
feeling.  I believe  that  the  attitude  of  the  American  people  as  a 
whole  is  one  of  real  friendliness  toward  Japan. 

I think  I may  fairly  claim  to  have  had  some  opportunity 
to  know  the  sentiment  of  the  Christian  people  of  America,  for  I 
have  been  for  nearly  twenty  years  an  administrative  Secretary 
of  a large  Board  of  Foreign  Missions  whose  constituency  in- 
cludes intelligent  and  influential  people  in  every  part  of  the 
United  States.  We  have  been  conducting  missionary  work  in 
Japan  for  many  years,  our  first  missionary.  Dr.  James  C. 
Hepburn,  having  gone  to  Japan  in  1859,  and  his  Imperial 
Majesty,  the  late  Emperor,  having  personally  recognised  the 
value  of  Dr.  Hepburn’s  services  by  conferring  upon  him  the 


3; 


Order  of  the  Rising  Sun,  From  Dr.  Hepburn’s  arrival  in 
Japan,  fifty-five  years  ago,  to  the  present,  the  representatives  of 
our  Board  have  been  speaking  and  writing  about  Japan,  and 
our  missionaries  there  have  sent  innumerable  letters  expressing 
their  high  regard  for  the  Japanese  people  and  their  profound 
interest  in  the  welfare  of  the  nation.  Moreover,  I am  Chairman 
of  the  Committee  of  Reference  and  Counsel  which  represents 
the  Boards  of  Foreign  Missions  of  all  denominations  in  the 
United  States  and  Canada,  and  in  this  position  I have  had  op- 
portunities to  know  the  sentiment  which  prevails  in  other  com- 
munions. I am  certain  that  if  the  Christian  people  in  America 
had  any  unfriendly  feeling  toward  the  Japanese  it  would  have 
become  apparent  to  me,  for  the  ordinary  work  of  my  position 
requires  travelling,  correspondence,  and  addresses,  which  bring 
me  into  touch  with  many  parts  of  the  country.  I speak  of 
these  things  to  emphasize  the  statement  that  it  is  my  deliberate 
conviction  that  the  men  who  have  been  most  noisily  talking 
about  trouble  between  the  two  countries  do  not  represent  the 
American  people  and  that  the  real  feeling  of  our  countrymen 
toward  the  Japanese  is  one  of  entire  friendliness  and  hearty 
good-will. 

I have  twice  visited  Japan  myself,  and  have  most  grateful 
memories  of  the  kindness  which  I received  from  Japanese  of 
every  position,  from  the  late  Prince  Ito  to  the  humblest  coolie. 
You  will  therefore  understand  my  profound  interest  in  your 
visit  to  Japan,  and  I wish  to  assure  you  and  Dr.  Gulick  of  my 
earnest  desire  for  the  success  of  your  mission  and  of  my  fre- 
quent prayer  that  the  blessing  of  Almighty  God  may  rest  upon 
you  both. 

Sincerely  yours, 

(Signed)  Arthur  J.  Brown, 


38 


FRANCIS  E.  CLARK 

Founder  and  President  of  the  United  Societies  of 
Christian  Endeavor,  Boston,  Mass. 

Boston,  December,  17,  1914. 

Dr.  Sliailer  Mathews, 

Care  of  Dr.  Sidney  L.  Gulick, 

105  East  22nd  street.  New  York  City. 

My  dear  Dr.  Mathews  : — 

At  the  request  of  Dr.  Sidney  I^.  Gulick, — a suggestion 
doubtless  made  to  a good  many  others, — I send  you  my 
answers  to  the  questions  which  he  proposes. 

1.  So  far  as  my  observation  and  acquaintance  with 
people  throughout  the  country  goes,  I do  not  think  there  is  any 
prevailing  desire  for  territorial  expansion  in  the  Far  East.  I 
believe  that  the  great  majority  of  the  people  are  convinced  that 
we  have  enough  over-sea  responsibilities  at  present,  and  would 
rather  diminish  than  increase  them. 

2.  I have  never  heard  any  responsible  person  express  the 
desire  for  a United  States  naval  port  on  the  Continent  of  Asia. 
I suppose  there  are  jingoes  and  imperialists  who  would  be  glad 
to  have  such  a port,  but  I have  never  happened  to  run  across 
any  one  who  desired  it,  and  I have  seen  a great  many  people 
who  I am  sure  would  oppose  any  such  expansion  of  the 
authority  of  our  country. 

3.  Nor  do  I believe  that  any  considerable  number  of  our 
peoples,  prominent  or  otherwise,  desire  in  any  way  to  undermine 
the  expansion  of  Japan’s  commerce  in  Asia  or  anywhere  else. 

4.  It  seems  to  me  absolutely  impossible,  that  the  United 
States,  for  the  purpose  of  acquiring  more  land  or  larger  com- 
mercial interests,  should  ever  attack  Japan  or  China. 

5.  Among  the  people  whom  I meet  in  the  young  people’s 
conventions,  people  who  sit  upon  tlie  platform  and  those  who 
make  up  the  bulk  of  the  audiences,  I do  not  find  the  suspicion 


39 


of  Japan  which  is  sometimes  found  in  a few  of  our  papers.  I 
do  not  think  there  is  any  widespread  suspicion  of  Japan  in  the 
great  populous  states  of  the  East  and  central  part  of  our 
country.  The  suspicion  is  confined  to  a few  sections  and  is 
largely  aroused,  I believe,  by  a misunderstanding  of  Japanese 
character  and  intentions. 

I have  had  a somewhat  wide  opportunity  during  the  last 
twenty  years  to  see  ministers  and  prominent  men  in  other  walks 
of  life,  as  well  as  hundreds  of  thousands  of  young  people  in  all 
parts  of  the  country,  having  been,  I tliink,  in  every  state  of  the 
Union,  and  the  views  I express  are  deliberate,  and  I believe 
well-founded. 

Yours  faithfully, 

(Signed)  Francis  E.  Clark. 


40 


W.  H.  P.  FAUNCE 

President  of  Brov/n  University,  Providence,  R.  I. 

December  24,  1914. 

My  dear  Dr.  Mathews, 

I am  most  happy  that  you  are  soon  to  visit  Japan,  and  I 
beg  to  send  you  an  expression  of  personal  opinion  which  you 
may  use  in  any  way  you  please.  I visited  Japan  myself  two 
years  ago,  and  I welcomed  Dr.  Nitobe  to  Providence  three 
years  ago  when  he  delivered  a most  illuminating  course  of 
lectures  on  the  relations  of  Japan  and  America.  I have  the 
warmest  regard  and  respect  for  the  remarkable  achievements  of 
modern  Japan,  and  I believe  your  visit  will  so  interpret  the 
West  to  the  East  as  to  continue  the  good  work  already  done  by 
Charles  W.  Eliot,  Hamilton  Mabie,  and  many  other  ambas- 
.sadors  of  peace  and  good-will. 

I think  I know  the  United  States  from  Atlantic  to  Pacific. 
I know  the  schools  and  colleges,  many  of  the  public  men,  and  I 
know  American  ideals.  I do  not  believe  there  is  the  slightest 
desire  anywhere  in  America  for  the  possession  of  any  land  on 
the  Continent  of  Asia.  I have  never  heard  any  American 
express  such  a desire.  No  American  newspaper  that  I have 
seen  has  ever  espressed  a desire  for  possessions  in  the  Continent 
of  Asia.  The  Philippines  have  caused  us  enough  trouble,  and 
we  want  no  more  trouble  of  that  kind.  Personally  I should 
like  to  have  the  United  States  withdraw  from  the  Philippines  at 
the  earliest  opportunity. 

I do  not  believe  there  is  a sensible  American  citizen  any- 
where who  desires  that  we  should  have  a naval  base  on  the 
Continent  of  Asia.  No  American  citizen,  so  far  as  I know, 
wishes  to  impede  the  commerce  of  Japan  or  to  interfere  \rtth 
the  prosperity  of  the  Japanese  Empire.  A few  years  ago  a 
Commission  from  Japan  visited  America,  and  I had  the 
pleasure  of  dining  with  them  here  in  Providence.  All  our 


41 


manufactures  recognized  the  high  quah'ty  of  intelligence  and 
ideal  which  the  members  of  that  Commission  possessed.  I wish 
that  many  of  the  leaders  of  Japan  might  now  visit  America,  and 
I hope  many  more  Americans  will  visit  Japan.  Our  two 
nations,  on  opposite  sides  of  the  great  Pacific  Ocean,  ought 
forever  to  cherish  pacific  sentiments  and  cherish  constantly 
growing  friendship. 

Very  truly  yours, 

(Signed)  W.  H.  P.  Faunce. 


42 


ARTHUR  T.  HADLEY 

President  of  Yale  University,  New  Haven,  Conn, 

December  i6,  1914. 

]\Iy  Dear  Mr.  Mathews  ^ — • 

In  answer  to  your  question  I should  reply  as  follows. 

1.  The  United  States  does  not  have  any  desire  for  terri- 
torial expansion  in  the  Far  East.  The  universal  feeling  among 
our  citizens  is  that  in  our  sovereignty  over  the  Philippine  Islands 
we  have  everything  of  this  kind  that  we  can  possibly  take  care 
of  for  an  indefinite  time  to  come. 

2.  I have  heard  no  specific  desire  expressed  for  a naval 
port  on  the  continent  of  Asia  ; and  as  long  as  we  are  left  undis- 
turbed in  the  Philippines  I do  not  think  that  any  such  desire  is 
likely  to  manifest  itself. 

3.  In  the  groups  of  men  with  who.m  I have  come  in  con- 
tact there  is  no  desire  to  oppose  the  expansion  of  the  commerce 
of  Japan  or  any  other  nation,  as  long  as  the  goods  sold  are 
what  they  are  represented  to  be.  But  you  will  readily  under- 
stand that  in  business  circles  people  fear  additional  competitors, 
and  there  would  probably  be  many  groups  of  men  who  would 
desire  to  oppose  the  extension  of  individual  lines  of  Japanese 
business  activity- — not  as  a matter  of  national  policy,  but  as  a 
matter  of  individual  business. 

4.  I do  not  conceiv'e  it  posible  that  the  United  Skates 
would  under  any  circumstances  attack  Japan  or  China  for  pur- 
poses of  selfish  aggression. 

5 . The  suspicion  of  Japan  is  due,  I think,  largely  to  the  feel- 
ing that  the  Japanese  are  commercially  untrustworthy  and  that 
it  is  difficult  to  know  when  one  can  take  their  word  about  any- 
thing. With  our  habits  of  thought,  this  defect  in  the  national 
character  counts  for  more  than  it  should,  and  m.akes  us  suspic- 
ious of  them  even  in  those  fields  where  we  ought  to  trust  them. 

k'nithfully  yours, 

(Signed)  Arthur  T.  Hadit;y. 


43 


HUBERT  C.  HERRING 

Secretary  of  the  National  Council  of  the  Congregational 
Churches  of  the  United  States  of  America. 

December  22,  1914. 

Dr.  Sidney  L.  Gulick, 

Care  of  Dr.  H.  H.  Guy, 

332  Pine  Street,  San  Francisco,  Cal. 

My  dear  Dr.  Gulick, 

I am  deeply  interested  in  the  visit  to  Japan  which  you  and 
Dr.  Mathews  are  contemplating.  My  duties  have  compelled 
me  to  travel  very  widely  throughout  the  United  States  the  last 
eight  years,  and  I have  naturally  had  opportunity  to  know 
something  of  the  feeling  of  many  men  with  reference  to  the 
relations  between  Japan  and  the  United  States.  Nothing  is 
more  certain  than  that  the  responsible  citizenship  of  our  nation 
not  only  have  a warm  admiration  for  Japan’s  achievements,  but 
desire  close  cooperation  with  her  in  the  interest  of  the  world’s 
welfare.  It  is  inconceivable  to  them  that  this  country  should 
ever  attack  Japan  for  purposes  of  selfish  aggression,  or  should 
ojipose  in  any  manner  the  expansion  of  Japan’s  commerce,  or 
influence.  I have  never  heard  the  feeling  expressed  that  the 
United  States  needs  a naval  port  in  Asia.  One  more  often 
hears  the  opinion  declared  that  we  ought  to  reduce  our  holdings 
in  the  Orient. 

It  is,  of  course,  not  easy  for  one  nation  to  enter  sympa- 
thetically into  the  problems  of  another.  A large  patience  and 
spirit  of  fairness  are  required  between  nations  as  between 
individuals.  A great  company  of  Americans  are  doing  their 
best  to  create  such  a spirit  in  the  United  States.  We  ask  our 
Japanese  friends  to  labour  earnestly  for  like  ends  in  their  own 
land. 

Fraternally  yours, 

(Signed)  Hubert  C.  Herring. 


44 


R.  P.  PIOBSON 


Congressman,  Albama. 

Jan.  3,  1915. 

Dear  Mr.  Gulick, 

Your  interesting  letter  of  December  15th  is  only  just 
before  me  and  I note  with  chagrin  that  only  immediate  reply 
could  reach  you  before  you  sail.  So  I write  without  even 
waiting  for  my  Sec’y.  Perhaps  you  might  have  my  letter 
typed  after  deciphering,  to  lay  before  Dr.  Mathews. 

Answering  your  questions  in  order  : 

(1)  The  United  States  has  no  desire  whatever  for 
territorial  expansion  in  the  Far  East.  The  United  States  on  the 
contrary  desires  territorial  contraction  in  those  regions.  I go 
all  over  the  country  practically  every  year  and  never  yet  have 
I heard  a single  citizen  express  a desire  for  such  expansion. 

We  would  retire  from  the  Philippines  if  we  could  honor- 
ably do  so.  I do  not  wish  to  be  misunderstood  here.  Our 
democratic  institutions  were  established  in  the  midst  of  monarchi- 
cal dangers  and  have  grown  to  maturity  in  full  sight  of  the 
caste  and  militarism  of  the  old  world.  The  deepest  resolve  in 
the  heart  of  America  is  to  maintain  the  integrity  of  these 
democratic  institutions,  and  to  this  end,  no  military  monarchy 
will  be  permitted  to  establish  its  system  in  any  American 
sphere  of  influence.  While  our  people  desire  to  retire  from  the 
Philippines  as  soon  as  the  Filippinos  are  capable  of  self-govern- 
ment, yet  v/e  will  always  protect  those  helpless  people  from  the 
subjection  of  any  military  monarchy.  Let  no  friendly  people 
be  deceived.  This  resolve  is  absolute.  Until  our  station  is 
destroyed,  no  monarch’s  flag  will  ever  fly  in  peace  over  the 
Philippine  Islands. 

(2)  This  question  would  be  laughable  but  for  the 
persistence  with  which  it  is  rumored  in  the  Far  Piast.  I have 
never  yet  heard  a citizen  express  the  thought.  It  is  wholly 


45 


foreign  to  our  thoughts.  Indeed  I have  never  heard  any 
officers  in  the  Army  or  Navy  suggest  such  a thing.  We  are 
the  one  nation  that  has  never  asked  for  any  territorial  con- 
cession from  China  or  any  other  Asiatic  Power.  We  wouldn’t 
have  such  a concession.  We  couldn’t  be  induced  under  any 
circumstances  to  accept  such  a concession.  It  is  strange 
indeed  how  such  ideas  are  being  promulgated  in  Japan,  for 
those  Japanese  who  have  resided  in  America  must  understand 
that  such  territorial  expansion  over  Alien  peoples  is  contrary  to 
the  ver}'’  spirit  and  genius  of  our  institutions.  We  have 
tenaciously  resisted  the  current  driving  us  toward  Mexico. 
We  have  successfully  stemmed  the  current  that  swept  Cuba  to 
our  doorsteps. 

(3)  No...., ...No.. ......No. 

(4)  Such  a thing  is  absurd.  We  have  never  attacked 
any  people  for  any  such  purpose.  We  haven’t  even  thought 
enough  of  Foreign  Commerce  to  subsidize  a merchant  marine. 

(5)  Japan’s  persistently  menacing  attitude  toward  us. 
She  strains  at  a gnat  in  San  P'rancisco  and  swallows  a camel  in 
Vancouver.  The  actions  of  Australia,  New  Zealand,  Canada,  in 
matters  of  Japanese  immigration  pass  unnoticed,  but  the  local 
action  of  a single  state  in  America,  in  matters  over  which  the 
national  government  has  no  control,  as  fully  understood  by  the 
Japanese  Government,  actions  far  less  drastic,  continue  always 
open,  and  periodically  the  Japanese  government  delivers  to  our 
government  what  is  equiv'alent  to  an  ultimatum. 

The  Japanese  Government  and  Japanese  leaders  know  full 
well  that  the  people  of  the  United  States  have  always  had,  not 
great  respect  but  genuine  affection  for  the  Japanese  people,  and 
yet  a persistent  propaganda  goes  on  in  Japan,  especially  in  the 
vernacular  press  which  a word  from  the  Government  could 
control,  propaganda  such  as  questions  i,  2,  and  3 recognize, 
tending  to  create  not  only  suspicion  but  hatred  in  the  breasts  of 
Japanese.  Every  student  of  international  politics  knows  that 


46 


such  education  ” founded  or  unfounded  in  fact,  is  an  advance 
preparation  for  war.  I need  not  cite  the  constantly  recurring 
cases  of  Japanese  subjects  spying  upon  our  meager  defeneses. 

We  want  China,  Japan  and  the  other  nations  to  prosper. 
When  Japan  in  the  late  sixties  paid  an  indemnity  of  ,^3,000,000 
for  the  disturbance  of  Shimonoseki,  this  sum  being  divided 
equally  between  Great  Britain,  France,  the  Netherlands,  and  the 
United  States,  by  unanimous  vote  of  our  Congress,  we  returned 
the  last  dollar  to  Japan, 

After  the  Boxer  disturbance,  the  indemnity  allotted  the 
U.  S.  was  ^12,000,000.  By  unanimous  vote,  we  returned  tlris 
to  China. 

Earnestly  wishing  your  mission  the  greatest  success,  I 
remain. 

Yours  sincerely, 

(Signed)  R.  P.  Hobson. 


47 


HARRY  PRATT  JUDSON 
Pkesident  of  the  University  of  Chicago, 

December  21,  1914. 

Dear  Dr.  Mathews, 

I have  had  a letter  from  a friend  of  Japan  asking  certain 
questions  to  which  I am  glad  to  reply. 

1.  Does  tlie  United  States  have  any  desire  for  territorial 
expansion  in  the  Far  East  ? 

Ansiver : I never  heard  man,  woman  or  child  in  this 
country  express  any  such  desire.  We  obtained  the  Philippine 
Islands  by  accident.  Plawaii  of  course  has  been  a matter  of 
interest  to  the  United  States  for  generations,  as  it  was  under  the 
influence  of  Americans  that  the  Islands  were  organized  in  ac- 
cordance with  western  ideas,  but  the  accession  of  territory  in 
the  Far  East  is  the  last  thing  which  the  United  States  would 
desires. 

2.  Do  the  leading  citizens  of  the  United  States  feel  that  a 
naval  port  anywhere  on  the  Continent  of  Asia  is  needed  by  the 
U.  S.? 

Anszvcr  : A naval  port  on  the  Continet  of  Asia  is  wholly 
unnecessary  to  the  United  States,  and  nobody  of  any  weight  in 
this  country  wishes  anything  of  the  sort. 

3.  Does  the  United  States  in  any  way  oppose  or  desire 
to  undermine  the  expansion  of  Japan’s  commerce  either  in  Asia 
or  elsewhere  ? 

Anszver : Nobody  has  had  any  such  thought  in  this- 
country, 

4.  Do  you  conceive  it  possible  that  the  United  States,  for 
purposes  of  selfish  aggression,  would  attack  Japan  or  China  ? 

Ansiver : The  idea  of  any  such  attack  is  grotesque.  It 
is  too  absurd  even  for  deliberate  discussion. 

The  United  States  has  no  desire  to  expand  its  territory  or 
to  attack  any  other  nation  in  the  world.  It  is  very  strongly 


48 


the  desire  of  the  United  States  that  its  relations  with  China 
and  Japan  should  be  entirely  friendly.  It  is  the  opinion 
of  leading  citizens  in  the  U.  S.,  I think  universally,  that  it  is 
very  much  to  the  interest  of  both  Japan  and  the  United  States 
that  the  Pacific  Ocean  should  not  be  the  center  of  naval  and 
military  hostilities.  A friendly  understanding  between  the  two 
countries  without  any  formal  alliance  would  make  that  entirely 
possible,  and  would  leave  the  Twentieth  Century  to  the  normal 
development  of  commerce  and  civilization  in  that  vast  field. 

5.  What  is  the  ground  of  the  suspicion  of  Japan  more  or 
less  widespread  in  the  United  States  ? 

Answer : Largely,  I think,  the  vaporings  of  the  Yellow 
Press  in  both  countries,  combined  with  a lack  of  adequate 
understanding  in  this  country  of  the  best  thought  of  Japan. 
Perhaps  the  fact  that  Japan  has  followed  the  German  policy  as 
to  large  military  and  naval  organization  lias  had  some  weight  in 
the  matter. 

It  is  the  duty  of  every  thoughtful  man  in  both  countries  to 
do  what  lies  in  his  power  to  forward  a better  understanding  of 
one  another  between  these  nations. 

Very  truly  yours, 

(Signed)  Harry  Pratt  Judson. 


49 


J.  H.  R.  KIRKLAND 

Cn.\NCELLOR  VANDERBILT  UNIVERSITY,  NaSHVILLE,  TeNN. 

December  22,  1914. 

Dear  Dr.  Gulick  : — 

The  educational  workers  of  this  country  will  follow  with 
the  greatest  interest  your  visit  to  Japan,  and  we  sincerely  trust 
that  the  efforts  of  yourself  and  Dr.  Shailer  Mathews  may  bring 
about  a more  perfect  understanding  and  a fuller  sympathy 
between  our  country  and  that  great  country  of  the  Far  East. 
To  some  6(  us  it  has  seemed  that  public  opinion  in  both  coun- 
tries is  being  directed  and  influenced  without  regard  to  truth  or 
patriotism.  So  far  as  I know  the  feeling  of  citizens  of  the 
United  States  in  this  part  of  the  nation  there  is  no  desire  for 
territorial  expansion  in  eastern  countries.  On  all  sides  I heard 
years  ago  the  greatest  regret  expressed  that  we  had  been  led  or 
driven  to  the  occupation  of  the  Philippines.  We  certainly  do 
not  wish  to  add  to  our  embarrassment  by  any  further  expansion 
in  that  quarter. 

The  United  States  does  desire  the  expansion  of  its  own 
commerce  both  in  Asia  and  elsewhere,  but  this  desire  does  not 
carry  with  it  any  purpose  to  injure  or  undermine  the  commerce 
of  Japan  or  any  other  nation.  Nations,  like  individuals,  must 
compete  in  commercial  relations  without  strife,  anger,  or  in- 
justice. Commercial  relations  should  lead  to  friendship,  not  to 
war.  If  this  relation  cannot  be  secured,  civilization  is  a failure. 
I'or  these  reasons  citizens  of  the  United  States  do  not  feel  that 
a naval  port  is  needed  on  the  Continent  of  Asia,  nor  is  it 
believed  to  be  remotely  possible  that  the  United  States  would 
attack  Japan  or  China  or  even  the  weakest  nation  of  the  world 
for  any  purpose  of  selfish  agression. 

In  my  opinion  it  is  greatly  to  be  desired  that  unfriendly 
publications  and  criticisms  of  Japan  in  America  should  cease, 
and  similarly  publications  unfriendly  to  America  in  Japan. 


50 


The  reiterated  statement  that  these  two  countries  will  come  into 
conflict  is  the  best  preparation  for  such  conflict.  That  state  of 
mind  preceded  the  great  European  war  of  today.  One  great 
purpose  to  be  achieved  by  your  visit  will  be  to  relieve  some- 
what such  a feeling  and  to  aasure  the  people  of  JapM  that  the 
citizens  of  the  United  States  desire  in  all  things  a continuance  of 
friendly  relation  and  cooperation  in  every  good  enterprise  that 
makes  for  the  uplift  of  the  world  and  the  progress  of  culture 
and  commerce  in  the  Far  East. 

Very  sincerely  yours, 

(Signed)  J.  H.  R.  Kirkland. 


HENRY  CHURCHILL  KING 
President  of  Oberlin  College,  Oberun,  Ohio. 

December  i8,  1914. 

My  dear  Dr.  Mathews, 

I am  very  glad  to  express  to  you  my  own  feeling  upon 
the  questions  raised  by  Dr.  Gulick,  and  my  feeling,  I am  sure, 
reflects  that  of  the  vast  majority  of  all  those  whom  I have  had 
opportunity  to  sound  on  this  question. 

I am  certain,  myself,  that  the  United  States  lias  no  desire 
for  territorial  expansion  in  the  Far  East,  and  I am  equally  con* 
fident  that  the  leading  citizens  of  the  United  States  do  not  feel 
tliat  a naval  port  anywhere  on  the  Continent  of  Asia  is  needed 
by  tliis  country.  Most  American  citizens  would  think  tliat 
territorial  expansion  in  the  Far  East  would  be  a weakness 
rather  than  a gain  to  the  country. 

I do  not  believe,  either,  that  the  country  at  large  has  any 
desire  to  oppose  or  undermine  the  expansion  of  Japan’s  com- 
merce anywhere.  It  believes  that  legitimate  commerce  involves 
the  mutual  good  of  those  concerned,  and  that  the  prosperity  of 
any  one  nation  is  likely  to  be  a gain  for  all.  So  far  as  there  is 
suspicion  of  Japan  in  the  United  States — and  I have  not  myself 
supposed  that  such  serious  suspicion  was  wide-spread  among 
well-informed  people — I should  myself  think  it  likely  to  be  due 
to  the  agitation  of  some  jingoes  who  are  devoted  to  building  up 
our  own  military  power,  or  to  what  often  seems  a rather 
aggressive  attitude  on  Japan’s  part,  revealed,  perhaps,  most 
disquietingly  in  the  relations  to  China.  I have  never  been  able 
to  persuade  myself  however,  that  Japan  desired  anything  but 
friendly  relations  with  the  United  States.  And  I cannot  con- 
ceive the  remotest  contingency  in  which  the  United  States 
would,  for  purposes  of  selfish  aggression,  attack  Japan  or 
China.  I think  it  would  be  impossible  to  overstate  that. 

Very  sincerely  yours, 

(Signed)  Henry  Churchill  King. 


52 


SETH  LOW 


Forsier  Mayor  of  New  York  City,  Former  President  of 
Columbia  University,  President  of  the  Chamber  of 
Commerce  of  the  State  of  New  York. 

Jan.  4,  1915. 

Dear  Dr.  Mathews - 

My  opinion  has  been  asked  as  to  the  several  points  covered 
by  the  following  questions  : 

1 . Does  the  United  States  have  any  desire  for  territorial 
expansion  in  the  Far  East  ? 

I think  such  a thing  is  truly  foreign  to  the  ideas  of  the 
American  people.  I have  not  heard  it  suggested  in  any 
quarter,  and  were  it  to  be  suggested  I think  it  would  receive  no 
popular  support. 

2.  Do  the  leading  citizens  of  the  United  States  feel  that  a 
naval  port  anywhere  on  the  continent  of  Asia  is  needed  by  the 
U.  S.  ? 

This,  again,  to  me  is  an  entirely  new  proposal,  and  I 
cannot  imagine  that  the  idea  would  cominand  popular  approval. 
The  American  people  want  a navy  for  defensive  purposes. 
They  do  not  want  it  for  purposes  of  offence. 

3.  Does  the  United  States  in  any  way  oppose  or  desire 
to  undermine  the  expansion  of  Japan’s  commerce  either  in  Asia 
or  elsewhere  ? 

My  opinion  is  that  the  people  of  the  United  States  are  al- 
together friendly  to  the  people  of  Japan,  and  that  they  have  not 
the  slightest  desire  either  to  oppose  or  to  undermine  the  ex- 
panion of  Japan’s  commerce  in  Asia  or  anywhere  in  the  world. 
There  will  be  commercial  rivalry  of  course  between  the  United 
States  and  Japan  as  between  the  United  States  and  all  other 
maritime  countries,  but  in  commerce  the  United  States  wishes 
only  a fair  field,  and  no  favor.  That  is  why  the  United  States 
favors  the  open  door  in  China. 


53 


4.  Do  you  conceive  it  possible  that  the  United  States, 
for  purposes  of  selfish  aggression,  would  attack  Japan  or  China  ? 

I think  it  unimaginable.  In  view  of  the  discussion  which 
is  going  on  at  the  moment  as  to  the  condition  of  the  Army  and 
Navy  of  the  United  States  for  purposes  of  defence,  it  requires  a 
sense  of  humor  to  fancy  that  this  country  is  moved  by  any 
aggressive  spirit  whatever.  No  people  in  the  world  were  ever 
more  surprised  than  was  the  United  States  at  the  end  of  the 
Spanish-American  war  to  find  itself  in  possession  of  the  Philip- 
pines. The  American  people  were  reconciled  to  this  result 
only  because  it  appeared  to  them  at  the  time  that  they  could 
not  honorably  permit  the  Philippines  to  become  a bone  of  con- 
tention among  the  nations  of  the  world.  Probably  there  are 
few  Americans  that  wish  to  remain  permanently  in  control  of 
the  Philippines,  the  only  difference  of  opinion  being  as  to  the 
time  when,  and  the  conditions  upon  which,  independence  is  to 
be  conceded  to  the  Islands.  A federal  republic  like  the  United 
States  is  embarrassed  and  not  strengthened  by  colonies  which 
cannot  ultimately  be  admitted  into  the  Federal  Union  on  the 
basis  of  other  States.  Even  the  territorial  form  of  government 
which  for  many  years  was  applied  to  the  undeveloped  part  of 
the  Continental  United  States,  as  it  is  now  applied  to  Alaska, 
has  fitted  in  so  little  with  American  ideals  that  separate  States 
have  been  made  out  of  what  was  formerly  United  States  terri- 
tory as  soon  as  the  population  was  large  enough  to  give  even  a 
decent  excuse.  Such  a nation  is  not  likely  to  attack  either 
Japan  or  China  for  purposes  of  selfish  aggression. 

5.  What  is  the  ground  of  the  suspicion  of  Japan,  more  or 
less  widespread  in  the  United  States  ? 

If  there  is  any  such  suspicion  in  any  quarter  I should  say 
that  it  would  be  a great  exaggeration  to  speak  of  it  as  wide- 
spread. 

There  is  some  feeling  that  in  Manchuria  and  Corea,  where 
Japan  controls,  the  " open  door  ” is  a phrase  rather  than  an 


54 


actuality,  but  how  well  founded  this  feeling  is  I do  not  know. 
Everyone  must  recognize  that  the  attitude  of  California  towards 
Japan  is  a subject  that  will  involve  danger  of  misunderstanding 
between  the  nations  until  it  is  satisfactorily  adjusted.  Japan 
should  realize  that  for  Americans  this  is  primarily  a question  of 
economics  ; and  secondarily  a question  which  involves,  in  a new 
form,  the  difficulty  of  absorbing  into  the  American  population 
people  of  very  widely  different  races.  We  Americans,  on  the 
other  hand,  need  to  learn  that  with  Japan  it  is  a question  of 
“amour  propre.”  It  is  of  course  evident  to  thinking  people 
that,  upon  the  very  small  scale  of  today,  neither  of  these  pro- 
blems is  serious.  Unhappily,  those  who  feel  the  economic  com- 
petition even  upon  the  small  scale  of  today  are  able  to  play 
upon  the  fears  of  those  who  would  be  affected,  or  who  think 
they  would  be  affected,  by  a serious  increase  in  the  number  of 
Japanese  living  in  this  country.  Both  of  these  questions,  also, 
appear  to  be  in  their  essence  essentially  domestic  questions  ; so 
that  the  one  essential  for  their  proper  solution  is  that  they  be 
handled  with'so  much  consideration  for  the  feelings  of  the  Japan- 
ese as  not  to  give  reasonable  offence.  The  American  people 
as  a whole,  without  doubt,  wish  to  accord  to  Japan  everything 
that  is  due  to  a gallant  and  enlightened  people.  Nowhere  in 
the  American  heart,  I am  sure,  is  there  a desire  to  treat  Japan, 
or  the  Japanese,  otherwise  than  as  a great  and  high-spirited 
Nation  and  people  ought  to  be  treated.  If  the  American  Con- 
gress were  able  to  deal  with  the  situation,  exclusively,  there 
would  be  nothing^to  fear.  The  embarrassment  to  both  nations 
comes  from  the  fact  that,  under  our  Federal  system,  a single 
State  may  take  action  which  may  seriously  embarrass  both 
nations.  It  is  a pity  that  this  is  so  ; and  it  is  easily  understood 
that  this  is  hard  to  explain  to  the  Japanese  people.  On  the 
other  hand,  in  my  judgment,  the  Japanese  government  owes  it 
to  the  American  people  and  to  the  historic  friendship  which  has 
existed  between  the  two  nations,  to  do  everything  in  its  power 


55 


to  make  the  situation  clear  to  Japan.  What  we  have  to  deal 
with  in  this  connection  is  one  of  the  many  problems  resulting 
from  the  closer  intimacy  between  the  East  and  the  West.  Both 
West  and  East  must  learn  how  to  deal  with  it  in  a spirit  of 
frankness  and  of  mutual  good  will.  Thoughtful  public  opinion 
in  the  United  States  recognizes  the  problem  with  its  embarrass- 
ment and  its  difficulties ; but,  despite  it  all,  I am  sure  that  Japan 
has  no  more  sincere  and  loyal  friend  among  the  nations  of  the 
world  than  the  United  States  of  America. 

Very  truly  yours, 

(Signed)  Seth  Low. 


56 


A.  LAWRENCE  LOWELL 


President  of  Harvard  University,  Cambridge,  Mass, 

December  22,  1914. 

Dear  Mr.  Gulick, 

In  answer  to  the  questions  in  your  letter,  let  me  say  that  I 
never  met  anyone  in  the  United  States  who  desired  for  us 
territorial  expansion  in  the  Far  East ; nor  do  I know  of  any 
desire  for  a naval  port  on  the  Continent  of  Asia.  I cannot  con- 
ceive it  possible  that  the  United  States,  for  the  purposes  of 
national  aggression,  should  take  any  steps  against  Japan  or 
China. 

The  ground  for  suspicion  of  Japan,  which  is  undoubtedly 
widespread  in  the  United  States,  is,  that  for  the  purposes  of  her 
expansion  she  might  desire  to  disturb  the  present  status  of  the 
United  States  in  the  Pacific  ; and  it  appears  that  the  irritation  in 
Japan  against  the  United  States  is  probably  based  upon  a 
similar  fear,  wholly  ungrounded,  of  aggression  on  the  part  of 
the  United  States.  That  two  nations  which  ought  to  be  com- 
pletely friendly  and  whose  policies  ought  not  to  clash,  should 
entertain  mutual  suspicions  is  wholly  deplorable. 

Yours  very  truly, 

(Signed)  A.  Lawrence  Lowell. 


5; 


WILLIAM  H.  ROBERTS 


Stated  Clerk  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  of  the  U.  S.  A. 

December  21,  1914. 

Dear  Dr.  GuHck  ; — 

You  are  going  to  Japan  as  the  representative  of  the 
Federal  Council  of  the  Churches  of  Christ  in  America  to  bear 
to  the  Japanese  the  kindly  greetings  of  the  Protestant  Christian 
bodies  which  represent  more  than  one  half  of  the  population  of 
the  United  States.  Of  these  Christian  bodies  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  U.  S,  A.  is  an  influential  factor,  and  both  the 
President  and  the  Secretary  of  State  of  the  United  States  are 
members  of  it.  I desire  as  the  Secretary  of  the  General* 
Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  to  give  to  you  my 
opinion  on  the  following  matters  ; — 

1.  The  United  States  of  America  have  no  desire  for 
territorial  expansion  in  the  Far  East. 

2.  Whatever  port  on  the  continent  of  Asia  the  United 
States  might  find  it  advisable  to  ask  for,  the  purpose  of  such  a 
port  would  be  purely  commercial ; however,  I have  yet  to 
know  of  any  distinct  intention  on  the  part  of  the  United  States 
government  to  secure  such  a port  on  the  mainland  of  Asia. 

3.  The  United  States  do  not  desire  to  oppose  the 
expansion  of  Japan’s  commerce,  either  in  Asia  or  elsewhere. 

4.  I do  not  think  it  probable  that  the  United  States,  for 
purposes  of  selfish  aggression,  would  attack  either  Japan  or 
China.  The  United  States  have  been  persistently  and  con- 
sistently the  friend  of  both  Japan  and  China. 

5.  I do  not  think  that  there  is  suspicion  of  Japan  in  the 
United  States  of  America  to  any  such  extent  as  many  persons 
imagine.  The  opposition  to  Japanese  immigration  comes 
mainly  from  laboring  classes  in  certain  States  who  are  jealous 
of  laborers  from  Japan  coming  into  competition  with  them. 


58 


At  one  time  this  feeling  was  marked  as  against  the  Irish,  and 
more  recently  the  Slavs  and  Italians.  Too  much  has  been 
made  of  this  racial  opposition,  as  if  it  was  directed  against  the 
Japanese  only ; as  intimated  it  has  affected  other  peoples. 

Wishing  you  success  in  this  important  work,  and  tendering 
to  President  Mathews  as  well  as  yourself  best  wishes  for  a safe 
journey  both  going  and  returning.  I am 

Yours  cordially, 

(Signed)  Wm.  H.  Roberts. 


59 


WILLIAM  SHAW 


General  Secretary  United  Society  of  Christian 
Endeavor. 


December  17,  1914. 

My  dear  Dr.  Mathews, 

It  is  with  feelings  of  profound  satisfaction  that  I have  learned 
of  your  proposed  visit  to  Japan  for  the  purpose  of  interpreting 
to  the  Japanese  people  the  real  attitude  of  the  people  of  the 
United  States  toward  them. 

The  idea  of  war  between  us  is  monstrous,  and  comes  only 
as  a result  of  mutual  misunderstanding. 

My  duties  require  extended  travel  in  all  sections  of  our 
country,  and  I am  convinced  that,  with  the  exception  of  certain 
localities  on  the  Pacific  coast,  there  is  absolutely  no  feeling  of 
enmity  toward  the  Japanese  ; and,  where  this  unfortunate  condi- 
tion does  exist,  it  is  due  to  the  fact  that  the  Japanese  have 
colonized  in  groups  and  practically  forced  out  all  other  labor, 
thus  creating  local  prejudice  and  antagonism. 

As  a people  we  rejoice  in  the  magnificent  progress  Japan 
has  made  in  the  last  fifty  years,  and  particularly  because  we 
as  a nation  have  been  so  closely  associated  with  her  in  this 
development. 

I find  no  desire  on  the  part  of  our  people  for  territorial 
expansion  in  the  Far  East,  but  rather  a strong  disposition  to 
retire  from  our  present  position  in  the  Philippines  so  soon  as 
the  promise  of  local  self-government  is  assured. 

I have  yet  to  meet  with  any  influential  advocate  of  a naval 
base  anywhere  on  the  continent  of  Asia  as  a necessary  or  desir- 
able acquisition  by  the  United  States. 

I believe  that  the  rumors  of  jealousy  on  the  part  of  the 
United  States  because  of  Japan’s  increasing  commerce,  or  a dis- 
position to  oppose  it  in  any  way  are  absolutely  without  founda- 
tion and  circulated  only  by  those  who  hope  for  personal  gain 


60 


from  the  result  of  friction  between  Japan  and  the  United 
States. 

I cannot  conceive  of  any  situation  arising  that  would  lead 
the  United  States  to  attack  either  China  or  Japan.  If  war 
should  come,  which  God  forbid,  it  would  be  a war  of  defence 
on  our  part.  No  administration  could  carry  the  consent  of  our 
people  in  a war  of  aggression. 

I am  aware  of  the  fact  that  suspicion  and  prejudice  against 
the  Japanese  in  our  country  have  been  fostered  by  certain  in- 
dividuals and  newspapers ; but  this  is  very  limited  in  extent,  and 
makes  up  in  noise  and  display  what  it  lacks  in  fact  and  following. 

The  Japanese  by  reason  of  their  national  characteristics  of 
reserve  and  isolation,  and  their  domestic  habits,  so  different 
from  ours,  seem  to  give  ground  for  suspicion. 

These  suspicions  are  soon  removed  when  one  has  the 
privilege  of  intimate  acquaintance  and  understanding. 

We  need  to  recognize  on  both  sides  of  the  Pacific  Ocean 
that  we  are  struggling  today  with  inherited  race  prejudices  that 
only  time,  and  close  fellowship,  and,  above  all,  a spirit  of  good 
will,  can  eradicate. 

Let  us  banish  the  thought  of  war  which  would  only 
embitter  our  relations  for  generations,  and  let  us  settle  our  dif- 
ferences by  reason  and  patient  good  will,  and  believe  that  the 
progress  of  each  means  the  largest  success  for  all. 

Fraternally  yours, 

(Signed)  Wm.  Shaw. 


6i 


EDWARD  A.  STEINER 


Professor  Iowa  College,  Grinnell,  Iowa. 

December  21,  1914. 

Dear  Dr.  Mathews, 

I am  delighted  to  know  that  in  this  critical  moment 
of  the  world’s  history  you  are  contemplating  a journey 
to  Japan  to  interpret  to  our  brethren  the  feeling  of  the 
people  of  America,  and  to  try  to  clear  up  mutual  misunder- 
standings. 

As  you  know  I have  traveled  all  over  the  country 
and  have  addressed  thousands  of  audiences,  and  I can 
say  positively  that  the  people  of  the  United  States  as  a 
whole  are  averse  to  war,  especially  to  a war  with  the  Japanese 
people. 

I do  not  know  of  any  question  upon  which  they  are  so 
united  as  that  there  is  no  desire  for  territorial  expansion  in  any 
direction.  Any  idea  contrary  to  this  expressed  by  any  leading 
man  would  be  regarded  as  the  height  of  folly  and  as  absolutely 
untrue. 

The  desire  of  the  people  of  the  United  States  is  not  only 
to  be  at  peace  with  its  neighbours,  but  to  help  to  foster  the 
prosperity  and  happiness  of  other  peoples. 

If  there  is  in  the  popular  mind  of  the  American  people  any 
suspicion  of  Japan  it  is  due  to  the  fact  that  they  believe  that 
Japan  may  have  designs  upon  our  Pacific  possessions,  and  some 
people  have  even  such  foolish  notions  as  that  she  desires  to 
invade  our  own  Pacific  coast. 

There  is  no  single  fact  for  which  I would  be  so  ready  to 
vouch  as  for  this  one  : That  the  United  States  has  not  only  no 
desire  to  attack  China  or  Japan,  but  that  it  has  a consuming 
desire  for  peace  with  the  whole  world,  and  especially  with  our 
neighbors  in  the  East. 


62 


I shall  pray  earnestly  that  your  mission  will  be  successful, 
and  that  into  the  difficult  sphere  of  misunderstanding  you  will 
be  able  to  carry  the  note  of  fraternal  confidence. 

Most  sincerely  yours, 

(Signed)  Edward  A.  Steiner. 


63 


G.  W.  F.  SWARTZELL 
Capitaust,  Washington,  D.  C. 

December  24,  1914. 

Dear  Dr.  Mathews  ; — 

It  is  a pleasure  to  know  that  you  and  Dr.  Gulick  are  to  go 
to  Japan  on  a mission  which  has  for  its  object  the  stengthening 
of  the  bonds  of  peace  and  international  friendship  between  that 
country  and  our  own,  and  I wish  most  sincerely  that  you  may 
have  a successful  conference. 

It  is  contrary  to  the  general  policy  of  the  United  States  to 
engage  in  territorial  expansion  beyond  its  own  shores,  and  the 
acquisition  of  the  territory  which  it  now  holds  beyond  such 
shores  was  not  a matter  of  choice  but  of  necessity. 

There  is  a strong  sentiment  throughout  the  country  in 
favor  of  granting  independence  to  the  Philippine  Islands  when 
the  inhabitants  shall  have  progressed  sufficiently  in  the  art  of 
government  to  warrant  the  granting  of  the  privilege  of  self- 
government. 

There  is  not,  so  far  as  I am  informed,  any  desire  for  a 
naval  port  in  Asia,  and  the  United  States  does  not  wish  to 
undermine  the  commerce  of  Japan  in  Asia,  but  desires  its  rela- 
tions with  Japan  and  China,  as  well  as  all  other  countries,  to  be 
conducted  with  the  utmost  harmony  and  good-will,  and  I can- 
not conceive  it  possible  that  the  United  States  would  wish  to 
attack  Japan  or  China  for  any  purpose  of  selfish  aggression. 

With  sincere  good  wishes  for  a successful  visit,  I am. 

Sincerely  yours, 

(Signed)  G.  W.  F.  Swartzell. 


64 


THOMAS  W.  SYNNOTT 


Executive  Committee  of  the  World’s  Sunday  School 
Association,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

December  30,  1914. 

My  dear  Dr.  Mathews, 

As  you  are  about  leaving  for  Japan,  I desire  to  give  you 
ray  views  of  the  relations  existing  between  the  United  States 
and  Japan. 

We  neither  need  nor  desire  to  acquire  new  territory  in  the 
Far  Eart.  In  fact,  as  you  know,  we  are  trying  to  rid  ourselves 
of  the  Philippines,  retaining  only  a coaling  station,  and  are 
pledged  to  do  so  as  soon  as  the  Philippines  show  sufficient 
evidence  of  their  ability  to  govern  themselves.  We  certainly 
have  no  need  of  any  other  naval  port  in  the  Far  East.  Our 
aim  is  to  discourage  other  nations  from  acquiring  such  ports  or 
territory  at  the  expense  of  China,  and  to  aid  her  in  forming  a 
stable  government  that  will  help  her  people  to  higher  ideals  of 
living.  We  have  already  helped  the  Cubans  and  refused  to 
take  over  their  country,  notwithstanding  the  fact  that  a very 
large  part  of  them  desired  it,  believing  it  the  only  way  by  which 
they  could  secure  a stable  government. 

There  is  no  ground  of  suspicion  or  feeling  here  against 
Japan  except  in  parts  of  California,  and  this  feeling  has  been 
created  by  the  jingo  press  both  of  California  and  Japan.  In 
the  United  States  the  jingoes  represent  but  a very  small  fraction 
of  the  people.  The  vast  majority  of  the  American  people  have 
nothing  but  feelings  of  good  will  and  friendship  for  the  people 
of  Japan,  and  I believe  that  the  great  majority  of  the  better  ele- 
ment in  both  countries  entertain  friendly  feelings  for  each  other. 

It  is  inconceivable  that  the  American  people  would  ever 
attempt  to  provoke  a war  with  Japan.  There  is  absolutely  no 
reason  for  it.  Nothing  could  be  gained  by  it.  The  only  result 
would  be  a great  loss  of  life,  with  increased  debt  and  taxation 


65 


for  both  countries.  After  the  present  war  in  Europe  is  ended, 
we  believe  future  differences  between  nations  will  be  settled  by 
method  other  than  the  sword. 

We  rejoice  that  Japan  has  such  noble  and  worthy  men  as 
Count  Okuma,  Baron  Kato,  Baron  Sakatani,  Baron  Shibusawa, 
and  Messrs.  Ukai,  Kawasumi,  Morimura,  and  many  others  of 
like  character  and  ability,  and  many  of  us  are  looking  forward 
with  pleasant  anticipations  to  the  World’s  Sunday  School  Con- 
vention to  be  held  in  Tokyo  1916,  and  trust  it  may  be  the 
means  of  increasing  the  friendship  existing  between  Japan  and 
America. 


Wishing  you  a pleasant  voyage,  I am. 

Sincerely  yours, 

(Signed)  Thomas  W.  Synnott. 


66 


GEORGE  E.  VINCEInT 
President  of  the  University  of  Minnesota 

December  i8,  1914. 

My  dear  Dr.  Gulick, 

You  ask  my  opinion  on  certain  points.  My  replies  are  as 
follows. 

I am  confident  that  the  United  States  does  not  dream  of 
territorial  expansion  in  the  Far  East.  On  the  contrary,  I 
believe  a majority  of  our  citizens  will  be  glad  when  we  can  be 
honorably  relieved  from  the  responsibility  which  we  now  have 
in  the  Philippines. 

Nor  do  I believe  that  any  thoughtful  citizen  of  the  United 
States  feels  that  we  need  a naval  port  anywhere  on  the  Con- 
tinent of  Asia.  Our  commerce  will  expand  w ithout  the  aid  of 
a great  navy. 

So  far  as  I see  the  .situation  there  is  no  purpose  or 
wish  on  the  part  of  the  United  States  to  stand  in  the  w'ay 
of  Japan’s  commercial  development  in  Asia  or  anyw^here 
else. 

There  has  been  at  one  time  or  another  a good  deal  of  talk 
about  the  Japanese  peril.  This  has  been  for  the  most  part 
vague  and  indefinite.  Fear  that  the  Philippines  might  be  taken 
by  the  Japanese  has  perhaps  been  the  chief  ground  of  apprehen- 
sion. The  anti-Japanese  agitation  on  the  Pacific  coast  has  given 
rise  to  all  kinds  of  allegations  and  rumors.  There  has  been, 
too,  an  impression  that  Japan’s  success  in  the  war  with  Russia 
has  created  a sense  of  national  pride  which  has  been  regarded 
as  a source  of  danger.  I do  not  believe,  however,  that 
thoughtful  Americans  really  entertain  the  idea  that  Japan  is 
planning  to  attack  the  United  States. 

I can  imagine  no  conditions  under  which  the  United 
States  would  seek  to  aggrandize  itself  territorially  or  otherwise 
by  an  attack  on  either  Japan  or  China. 


67 


With  the  sincere  hope  that  your  mission  will  be  successful 
in  interpreting  to  Japan  the  true  attitude  of  the  United  States. 

I remain. 

Sincerely  yours, 

(Signed)  George  E.  Vivcent, 


68 


HENRY  WALLACE 

Editor,  “ Wallace’s  Farmer,”  Des  Moines,  Iowa. 

December  22,  1914. 

My  dear  Dr.  Mathews, 

You  ask  me  as  an  old  journalist,  having  a wide  acquaint- 
ance with  farm  thought  and  a more  or  less  intimate  relation- 
ship with  the  men  who  are  guiding  our  affairs  in  Washington, 
to  answer  five  questions  : 

(1)  Does  the  United  States  have  any  desire'  for  territorial 
expansion  in  the  Far  East  ? Not  the  least.  The  Philippines 
came  to  us  as  the  spoils  of  our  war  with  Spain.  We  have 
undertaken  at  our  own  expense  the  work  of  fitting  them  to  be 
a self-governing  people,  with  the  idea,  which  we  are  carrying 
out  gradually,  of  ultimately  making  them  an  independent 
nation.  The  sooner  they  prove  themselves  fit,  the  better. 

(2)  Do  the  leading  citizens  of  the  United  States  feel  that 
a naval  port  anywhere  on  the  continent  of  Asia  is  needed  by  the 
United  States  ? With  all  my  acquaintance  with  public  men  and 
my  knowledge  of  the  sayings  of  the  public  press,  I have  never 
heard  it  suggested  even  once.  What  do  we  want  with  a naval 
station  on  the  continent  of  Asia  ? With  a naval  station  in 
Hawaii  and  Guam  and  one  in  the  Philippines,  we  have  all  that 
we  will  ever  need. 

(3)  Does  the  United  States  in  any  way  oppose  or  desire 
to  undermine  the  expansion  of  Japan’s  commerce  either  in  Asia 
or  elsewhere  ? Most  certainly  not.  Japan  is  a valuable 
customer  of  ours.  The  more  goods  she  can  send  us,  the  more 
we  can  send  her.  The  greater  the  prosperity  of  the  Japanese, 
the  greater  will  be  our  prosperity.  We  can  sell  our  products 
to  advantage  only  to  people  who  can  with  advantage  sell  us 
their  products.  Here  in  the  United  States  we  are  too  far 
advanced  in  civilization  to  have  the  slightest  idea  that  we  must 
own  the  earth  in  order  to  trade  with  it.  The  world  can  prosper 


69 


only  when  a free  hand  is  given  to  all  its  various  peoples  to 
develop  their  native  talents  and  genius  and  resources. 

(4)  Do  you  conceive  it  possible  that  the  United  States, 
for  purposes  of  selfish  aggression,  would  attack  Japan  or  China  ? 
This  idea  seems  to  me  utterly  preposterous.  We  have  trouble 
enough  of  our  own. 

(5)  What  is  the  ground  of  the  suspicion  of  Japan,  more 
or  less  widespread  in  the  United  States  ? Outside  of  California, 
I do  not  know  of  any  suspicion  against  the  people  of  Japan. 
The  Japanese  are  more  industrious  than  we  are.  They  are 
more  skilful  in  certain  lines  of  agriculture.  Naturally,  the  men 
who  don’t  want  to  work  very  hard  are  suspicious  of  any  man 
or  race  that  can  work  more  efficiently  than  they  can.  When  a 
member  of  Roosevelt’s  Country  Life  Commission  I was  in 
California.  I came  to  the  conclusion  that  the  objection  to  the 
Japanese  was  founded  mainly  on  the  fact  that  he  could  do 
better  work,  or  as  good  work  and  do  it  cheaper,  than  the 
American  help  that  could  be  obtained  in  California.  Outside 
of  this  I have  heard  of  no  objection. 

Sincerely, 

(Signed)  Henry  Wauj\ce. 


70 


HERBERT  WELCH 

President  Ohio  Wesleyan  University,  Delaware,  Ohio. 

December  17,  1915. 

Prof.  Shailer  Mathews,  Ph.  D., 

President  of  Federal  Council, 

New  York. 

My  dear  Sir : 

As  you  are  just  going  on  a friendly  visit  to  Japan,  I 
should  like  to  express  my  own  belief  that  the  United  States 
cherishes  no  ambitions  that  should  occasion  the  slightest  anxiety 
or  uneasiness  in  Japan.  We  do  not  want  any  more  territory  in 
the  Far  East,  not  even  a naval  port  in  China.  We  welcome, 
rather  than  deplore,  the  extension  of  Japan’s  commerce.  An 
aggressive  attack  on  Japan  by  the  United  States  is  simply 
unthinkable.  I believe  our  people  desire  the  closest  relations  of 
friendship  and  co-operation  with  the  great  Island  Empire 
beyond  the  Pacific,  and  I trust  that  your  trip  with  Dr.  Gulick 
may  be  one  means  of  bringing  about  a better  understanding 
between  these  two  great  peoples. 

Ever  heartily  yours, 

(Signed)  Herbert  Welch. 


/I 


)■ 


V 

The  material  presented  in  the  two  preceding  sections 
reveals  the  grounds  for  the  decision  of  the  Federal  Council  of 
the  Churches  of  Christ  in  America  for  sending  to  Japan  its 
Christian  Embassy.  This  Embassy  does  not  come  on  a 
political  errand.  Its  object  is  much  larger  and  deeper.  It 
seeks,  not  to  adjust  diplomatic  and  legal  relations,  but  to  pro- 
mote a right  moral  and  spiritual  attitude  between  the  two  nations 
lacing  the  Pacific. 

As  one  means  to  this  end,  the  Federal  Council,  on  behalf 
of  the  churches  it  represents,  has  sent  by  its  Christian  Embassy, 
a letter  of  greeting  to  the  churches  and  Chi'istians  of  Japan. 


73 


TO  THE  CHURCHES  OF  CHRIST 
IN  JAPAN 

Greetings : — 

The  Federal  Council  of  the  Churches  of  Christ  in 
America,  on  behalf  of  its  thirty  constituent  denominations,  has 
delegated  two  of  our  most  honored  and  beloved  representatives, 
to  convey  to  you  the  assurance  of  our  love  unfeigned  and  of 
our  prayers  in  your  behalf. 

Professor  Shailer  Mathews,  Doctor  of  Divinity,  is  the 
Dean  of  the  Divinity  School  of  the  University  of  Chicago,  an 
author  widely  known  among  us,  and  for  this  quadrennium. 
President  of  the  Federal  Council, 

The  Rev.  Sidney  L.  Gulick,  Doctor  of  Divinity,  needs  no 
introduction  to  you,  for  he  has  been  a missionary  in  Japan  for 
many  years.  Since  his  return  to  America  upon  his  furlough, 
he  has  been  invited  to  our  most  prominent  pulpits,  has  secured 
a hearing  for  the  cause  of  Japan  by  the  foremost  men  of  our 
nation,  and  returns  to  you  not  only  as  your  brother,  but 
entrusted  with  the  duty  of  representing,  with  Dr,  Mathews, 
tliis  Federal  Council,  We  are  thus  sending  to  you  those  who 
are  well  qualified  to  speak  for  us. 

We  beg  to  assure  you,  dear  brethren,  of  the  interest  with 
which  we  have  noted  the  recent  history  of  Japan,  that  ancient 
and  venerable  nation  with  its  notable  achievements  in  the  arts  and 
sciences.  With  eager  hand  you  have  grasped  what  other 
peoples  could  offer  for  the  enrichment  of  your  life,  and  in  turn 
you  have  contributed  to  the  life  of  the  world  the  inspiration  of 
your  fine  enthusiasm.  You  have  felt  the  stimulation  of  ethical 
ideals,  the  transcendant  significance  of  moral  values.  In  the 
industrial,  intellectual  and  moral  fields  of  your  activity,  America 
has  noted  your  unwearied  progress. 

But  our  deepest  interest  and  sympathy  have  been  evoked 
by  the  numbers  of  those  who  have  been  reaching  out  eager 
hands  to  God.  Beyond  all  else  the  spectacle  of  so  many  in 


74 


Japan,  seeking  after  a deeper  and  stronger  spiritual  life,  has 
moved  and  still  moves  our  hearts.  It  is  with  such  sympathy 
toward  you,  beloved  brethren,  that  we  send  our  messengers 
to  you. 

We  believe  that  the  religion  of  Jesus  makes  its  largest 
possible  contribution  to  the  peace  and  uplift  of  the  world,  not 
when  it  undertakes  by  ecclesiastical  utterances  and  activities 
to  solve  the  complex  intellectual  and  practical  problems  of 
civilization,  but  rather  when  it  leads  men  to  the  inner  life  of 
spiritual  self-mastery  and  self-devotion,  helps  them  to  learn 
the  privilege  and  joy  of  absolute  trust  in  Christ  our  Lord, 
and  enables  them  to  appreciate  the  obligation  of  such  loyal 
devotion  to  Him  as  finds  expression  in  holy  and  unselfish 
service  of  humanity. 

We  are  sending  these,  our  brethren,  to  tell  you  as  no 
written  word  of  ours  can  tell,  the  sincerity  of  our  affection,  the 
eagerness  of  our  desire,  and  the  steady  persuasion  of  our  hope 
that  we  all,  of  the  East  and  of  the  West,  shall  be  one  in  Jesus 
Christ. 

We  pray  that  in  your  land  and  in  ours,  faith  shall  have  its 
satisfying  vision  of  our  Lord,  that  love  shall  be  sanctified  by 
His  fellowship,  and  that  our  common  life  shall  be  broadened  in 
its  sympathies  and  beautified  with  His  likeness. 

hlay  the  God  of  love  unite  our  hearts  in  the  bonds  of  holy 
sympathy,  and  bring  us  all  into  the  joy  of  fellowship  one  with 
another  through  that  diviner  fellowship  which  is  with  the  Father 
and  with  His  Son  our  Saviour. 

May  peace  and  prosperity  abide  in  all  the  homes  of  Japan. 
May  your  schools  be  centers  of  intellectual  light  and  your 
churches  centers  of  moral  life  and  spiritual  power.  May 
believers  be  multiplied  and  all  your  land  be  blest  by  Him  who 
is  the  Light  of  the  World,  the  Redeemer  of  men. 

Now  unto  Him  that  is  able  to  keep  you  from  falling  and 
to  present  you  faultless  before  the  presence  of  his  glory  with 


75 


exceeding  joy,  to  the  only  wise  God  our  Saviour,  be  glory  and 
majesty,  dominion  and  power  both  now  and  ever.  Amen, 

Your  brethren  in  Christ : 

The  Federal  Council  of  the 

Churches  of  Christ  in  America, 

Charles  S,  Macfarland, 

General  Secretary. 


76 


VI 

The  Commission  on  Relations  with  Japan  established  by 
the  Federal  Council  of  Churches  of  Christ  in  America  made 
their  first  official  utterance  on  the  American-Japanese  problem 
early  in  December,  1914.  It  consisted  of  a resolution  appealing 
to  Congress  and  the  American  people  for  the  adoption  of  an 
adequate  Oriental  policy. 


77 


RESOLUTION 


The  awakening  of  Asia  and  her  rapid  acquisition  of  import- 
ant elements  of  Occidental  civilization  inaugurates  a new  era 
in  world  history  in  which  Asia  is  to  play  a new  and  increasingly 
important  role.  Whether  that  role  shall  be  one  of  peace,  good 
will  and  mutual  co-operation,  or  one  controlled  by  increasing 
suspicion  and  fear  between  the  East  and  the  West  will  depend 
largely  upon  the  attitude  of  the  western  nations  themselves. 

It  has  seemed  to  many  of  our  citizens  who  have  become 
familiar  with  the  questions  raised  by  this  more  intimate  and 
ever  increasing  contact  with  the  Orient  that  the  United  States 
might  well  adopt  a more  adequate  oriental  policy. 

Therefore  be  it 

Resolved  that  the  Commission  on  Relations  with 
Japan,  appointed  by  the  Fedei'al  Council  of  the  Churches  of 
Christ  in  America,  urges  upon  Congress  and  upon  the  people 
of  the  United  States  the  importance  of  adopting  an  oriental 
policy  the  fundamental  principle  of  wliich  shall  be  the  just  and 
equitable  treatment  of  all  races,  and  to  this  end  suggests  that 
the  entire  immigration  problem  be  taken  up  at  an  early  date, 
providing  for  comprehensive  legislation  covering  all  phases  of 
the  question,  (such  as  the  limitation  of  immigration  and  the 
registration,  distribution,  employment,  education,  and  naturali- 
zations, of  immigrants)  in  such  a way  as  to  conserve  American 
institutions,  to  protect  American  labor  from  dangerous  economic 
competition  and  to  promote  an  intelligent  and  enduring  friend- 
liness among  the  peoples  of  all  nations. 


78 


VII 

Of  the  thirty  denominations  composing  the  Federal  Coun- 
cil, only  one  has  held  an  annual  meeting  since  the  establishment 
of  the  Commission  on  Relations  with  Japan  and  the  announce- 
ment of  its  proposals  and  plans  for  investigating  the  American- 
Japanese  problem  with  a view  to  the  promotion  of  right  relations 
between  these  two  countries. 

The  Northern  Baptist  Annual  Convention  was  held  in 
June,  1914.  It  consisted  of  2,777  delegates,  representing 
churches  having  a membership  of  1,587,868  and  a constituency 
of  over  5,000,000. 


79 


RESOLUTION 

“ The  far-reaching  plan  of  the  Federal  Council  of  the 
Churches  of  Christ  in  America  to  strengthen  the  bonds  of  good 
fellowship  between  Japan  and  the  United  States,  meets  with 
our  heartiest  approval.” 


So 


VIII 

A PERSONAL  NOTE 


8i 


During  the  past  year  and  a half  it  has  been  my  privilege  to 
travel  rather  widely  through  the  United  States  for  the  purpose 
of  helping  my  countrymen  to  understand  Japan  more  adequately. 
I have  delivered  259  addresses  and  sermons  before  Chambers 
of  Commerce,  Men’s  Clubs,  and  churches  of  many  denomina- 
tions. I have  been  in  Washington  three  times,  and  have  had 
interviews  with  members  of  the  Senate  and  of  the  House  of 
Representatives.  The  Senate  Committee  on  Immigration  gave 
me  opportunity  to  address  it  on  the  Japanese  questions.  Three 
times  have  I been  favored  with  interviews  by  Secretary  Bryan 
and  twice  by  President  Wilson.  In  the  different  cities  visited 
I have  had  personal  conferences  with  many  leading  citizens, 
especially  with  editors  of  newspapers.  The  press  has  given 
wide  publicity  to  the  substance  of  my  addresses  and  proposals. 

The  impression  made  upon  me  by  this  rather  wide  ex- 
perience is  entirely  favorable.  The  good-will  and  desire  of 
Americans  for  right  international  relations  is  practically 
universal.  Those  who  have  definite  and  positive  suspicions 
of  Japan  are  rare,  and  still  rarer  are  those  who  harbor  ill-will. 
There  has  undoubtedly  been  felt  somewhat  widely  a vague 
fear  lest  Japan  might  take  precipitate  military  action  to  force 
the  settlement  of  matters  over  which  certain  differences  have 
developed.  Beyond  doubt  also  is  the  fact  of  a certain  amount 
of  friction  in  California,  and  the  disclosure  of  certain  defects  in 
the  governmental  machinery  of  the  United  States,  rendering 
slow  and  somewhat  difficult  the  satisfactory  settlement  of  inter- 
national questions. 

I.  But  what  I regard  as  an  important  discovery  concerns 
the  relation  of  the  newspapers  to  this  entire  question.  I have 
frequently  said  that  “ the  only  yellow  peril  to-day  is  the  peril 
of  the  yellow  press,”  and  this  statement  has  invariably  called 
forth  applause.  This  widespread  American  attitude  to  the 
press  frequently  comes  to  light  in  the  letters  from  which  quota- 
tions have  been  made  in  the  preceding  pages.  Throughout 


82 


the  country  there  Is  wide  condemnation  of  the  “ Irresponsible,” 
” sensational  ” press ; It  Is  supposed  to  delight  in  stirring  up 
International  turmoil ; many  even  believe  that  It  is  paid  for  this 
purpose  by  interested  parties,  such  as  manufactures  of  war 
material  whose  prosperity  depends  on  war  scares,  or  by  wily 
politicians  and  unscrupulous  diplomats. 

I am  not  prepared  to  say  that  there  is  no  subsidizing  of 
the  press,  direct  or  indirect.  Indeed,  I am  inclined  to  think 
there  may  be  something  in  such  surmises.  But  my  discovery 
is  along  another  line.  I have  become  convinced  that  the  vast 
majority  of  our  papers  are  not  moved  by  deliberate  policy, 
much  less  by  malicious  purposes  in  reporting  international 
news.  The  primary  aim  of  all  papers  is  to  be  interesting  and 
thus  to  secure  a large  sale.  The  great  ” crime  ” of  a paper  is 
to  be  dull  or  belated  in  its  news.  In  the  eagerness  to  be  inter- 
esting and  up  to  date,  all  " news  ” is  prepared  under  great 
pressure.  In  order  to  be  interesting,  a man  is  specially  set 
aside  to  write  the  headlines,  who  has  skill  in  condensing  into  a 
few  striking  words  some  suggestions  as  to  the  subject  matter 
in  the  column.  His  aim  is  not  to  be  accurate  or  informing, 
but  rather  to  be  interesting.  This  is  the  main  source  of  startling 
headlines  announcing  with  great  definiteness,  “ War  With  Japan 
Certain.” 

The  amount  of  reading  material  presented  in  the  papers, 
moreover,  is  too  large  to  be  read  with  care.  The  usual  busy 
man  on  his  way  to  business  glances  over  the  headlines,  and  as 
his  particular  interests  do  not  concern  foreign  affairs,  he  looks 
at  hardly  more  than  the  headlines.  So  far  as  there  is  suspicion 
of  Japan  in  America,  it  nas  been  built  up  largely  by  these 
headlines,  which,  however,  were  not  intended  to  be  malicious. 

The  important  lesson  to  be  drawn  from  this  fact  is  that 
those  who  seek  to  promote  international  good-will  between 
Japan  and  the  United  States  must  teach  the  people  on  both 
sides  of  the  Pacific  not  to  put  confidence  in  startling  stories  or 


83 


striking  headlines.  For  I doubt  not  the  same  caution  is  needed 
in  Japan. 

2.  I feel  too  that  I have  made  a second  important  dis- 
covery as  to  the  way  in  which  international  ill-will  and  resent- 
ment are  developed.  No  doubt  there  is  more  or  less  of  friction 
between  individuals  of  our  two  nations  who  have  had  unfortu- 
nate experiences.  These  form  the  starting  point  for  exaggera- 
tions. As  soon  as  vague  suspicion  has  been  started,  it  welcomes 
stories  on  which  to  feed.  The  intrinsic  improbability  of  the 
story  is  not  perceived.  The  hearer  possesses  insufficient  positive 
knowledge  to  render  the  story  incredible,  and  the  attitude  of 
suspicion  predisposes  the  hearer  to  accept  as  true  any  bad  story 
about  the  alien  individual  or  nation,  provided  only  that  it  is  bad. 

I have  learned  to  put  a question  mark  against  every  anti- 
Japanese  story  circulated  in  America  and  every  anti-American 
story  circulated  in  Japan.  A few  of  them  may  have  some 
small  amount  of  truth,  but  they  are  not  true  in  the  form  in 
which  they  are  circulated. 

3.  The  reader  will  have  noticed  that  none  of  the  letters 
quoted  above  deal  with  the  technical  or  legal  questions  at  issue 
between  Japan  and  the  United  States,  not  do  they  make  any 
suggestions  as  to  methods  of  solution.  This  is  due  entirely  to 
the  nature  of  the  questions  sent  out,  which  were  prepared  for 
the  purpose  of  ascertaining  the  facts  on  the  points  raised  by 
my  correspondents  in  Japan. 

4.  A fact  widely  overlooked  by  critics  of  California  is 
that  Section  II.  of  the  Alien  Land  Law  of  1913  provides  that 
aliens  ineligible  for  citizenship  shall  have  all  rights  specifically 
guaranteed  by  treaties.  Technically  speaking,  therefore,  the 
law  does  not  conflict  with  the  treaty.  In  cases  of  dispute  as  to 
Japanese  rights,  since  the  law  specifically  says  that  rights 
secured  by  the  treaty  shall  be  granted,  the  question  as  to  the 
respective  authorities  of  national  treaties  and  state  laws  can 
not  possibly  arise. 


84 


The  California  Alien  Land  Law  is  nevertheless  obnoxious. 
Technically  faultless,  in  spirit  and  purpose  it  is  morally  wrong. 
The  real  question  at  issue  between  Japan  and  California  is  not 
legal  and  technical,  but  concerns  the  right  of  a State  to  offend 
the  dignity  of  a friendly  nation  with  which  the  United  States 
has  a treaty  guaranteeing  national  goodwill.  Such  an  issue  is 
moral  and  spiritual.  And  this  is  the  reason  why  the  churches 
of  America  are  vitally  concerned  in  the  matter. 

5.  Moreover,  wide  misunderstanding  prevails  in  Japan 
in  regard  to  the  Federal  law  defining  those  who  are  eligible  for 
citizenship.  The  law  in  question,  which  says  that  only  “ free 
white  men  ” may  become  citizens  by  naturalization,  was  enacted 
in  1790,  and  was  amended  after  the  Civil  War  by  the  addition 
of  a provision  covering  the  new  political  status  given  negroes. 
It  had  accordingly  no  reference  whatever  to  Japanese  or  any 
Asiatics.  Only  in  recent  years  has  it  been  interpreted  as  having 
such  a significance.  How  to  adjust  the  difficulty  created  by 
this  law  that  comes  down  from  the  earliest  period  of  our 
national  life  is  one  of  the  problems  now  confronting  us. 

6.  The  recent  tendency  of  some  states  to  enact  special 
laws  dealing  with  aliens  is  easily  misunderstood  in  Japan, 
Many  states  are  confronted  with  serious  difficulties  arising  from 
large  immigration  from  South  Europe  ; this  is  the  main  cause 
for  anti-alien  agitation  and  proposed  legislation  in  such  states 
as  Arizona,  New  Mexico,  and  Idaho. 

7.  From  my  experience  in  America  during  the  past  year 
and  more,  I do  not  hesitate  to  say  that  all  our  responsible 
citizenship  recognizes  that  a real  problem  has  arisen  on  the 
Pacific  Coast.  Japan  and  the  Japanese  in  California  have 
important  rights  in  their  contention,  but  so  also  do  Californians 
have  important  rights  in  theirs.  The  problem  is  how  to  recon- 
cile these  apparently  conflicting  claims,  and  how  to  adjust  the 
laws  of  the  land  so  as  to  do  full  justice  to  both  sides.  A part 
of  the  difficulty  lies  in  the  fact  that  many  on  each  side  fail  to- 


85 


see  the  point  or  to  understand  the  justice  of  the  conflicting 
claim  advanced  by  the  other  side.  For  this,  education,  how- 
ever, is  needed.  If  both  sides  sincerely  desire  to  know  the  truth 
and  do  what  is  right,  the  problem  is  not  so  difficult.  Further- 
more, the  relation  to  Japan  of  Japanese  naturalized  as  citizens 
of  the  United  States,  has  an  important  bearing  on  the  entire 
matter  under  discussion.  Neither  diplomacy  nor  legislation  can 
make  much  headway  with  the  solution  of  the  technical,  legal, 
or  diplomatic  problems  until  the  people  both  of  the  United 
States  and  of  Japan  shall  have  received  adequate  education  and 
learn  to  look  at  each  others  problems  with  sympathetic  eyes, 

8.  A few  words  also  seem  called  for  in  regard  to  the 
point  whether  the  crux  of  the  problem  is  economic  or  racial. 
Each  view  has  its  convinced  advocates.  When  I began  to 
study  the  question,  my  own  view  was  that  it  was  at  bottom  a 
matter  of  race  prejudice.  Study,  however,  has  convinced  me 
that  the  race  factor  is  minor.  The  economic  factor  is  the  chief 
problem,  and  this  has  been  complicated  by  party  politics. 
Aspiring  politicians  have  utilized  the  undoubted  economic  prob- 
lem and  have  appealed  to  race  difference  in  order  to  promote 
personal,  or  class,  or  union,  or  party,  interests.  Many  Amer- 
icans are  now  beginning  to  see  this  and  to  insist  that  such  consider- 
ations shall  not  be  longer  allowed  to  create  international  friction. 

On  the  desk  of  Secretary  Bryan  in  the  Department  of 
State  is  a prophetic  paper  weight.  It  is  made  from  a bayonet 
which  has  been  transformed  into  a miniature  plow,  and  on  the 
plow  are  inscribed  the  words,  “ There  is  no  last  word  between 
friends."  Mr.  Bryan  explained  to  Dr.  Mathews  and  myself 
when  we  called  upon  him  last  December  that  he  had  used  these 
words  in  conversation  with  Ambassador  Viscount  Chinda, 
Friends  never  refuse  to  listen  to  requests  from,  nor  do  they 
issue  ultimatums  to,  one  another. 

There  is  undoubtedly  a problem  between  America  and 
Japan,  but  it  is  my  conviction  that  nine  hundred  and  ninety-nine 


86 


out  of  a thousand  Americans  earnestly  desire  that  that  problem 
shall  be  solved  on  the  basis  of  friendship.  And  they  are  equally 
convinced  that  it  cannot  be  solved  on  any  other  basis.  Just 
what  form  that  solution  will  take,  no  one  is  yet  in  a position  to 
state.  But  this  is  certain, — that  they  who  are  friends  must  take 
pains  to  see  fully  each  the  other’s  viewpoint,  and  then  each 
muss  be  willing  to  make  adjustments.  I am  satisfied  that  this 
is  what  the  overwhelming  majority  of  responsible  Americans 
desire  and  will  do  as  soon  as  adequate  education  can  be  secured 
for  the  millions  of  voters  whose  active  cooperation  must  be 
secured. 

I earnestly  ask  that  all  in  Japan  who  love  peace  and  desire 
to  promote  international  good-will  on  the  basis  of  righteousness 
and  justice,  may  aid  us  in  America  who  are  engaged  in  this 
enormous  educational  enterprise,  to  carry  it  through  to  a 
successful  issue.  For  if  we  in  America  are  to  be  successful,  it 
is  essential  that  you  our  brothers  and  fellow- workers  in  Japan 
shall  do  your  part.  It  is  as  necessary  for  Japan  to  understand 
the  U.S.  as  it  is  for  the  U.S.  to  understand  Japan. 

In  conclusion,  we  must  never  forget  that  the  “ Japanese- 
American  question  ” cannot  be  solved  as  an  isolated  question. 
It  is  but  one  element  in  the  larger  questions  of  the  relations  of 
the  East  and  the  West,  and  in  America,  of  the  general  problem 
of  immigration,  and  also  of  labor  and  capital.  These  problems, 
precipitated  upon  us  by  the  extraordinary  advance  of  modern 
mechanical  civilization  and  industrialism,  cannot  be  solved  by 
violence  nor  by  threats,  nor  even  by  mere  processes  of  diploma- 
cy and  legislation.  National  education,  national  self-restraint, 
international  patience,  sympathy,  and  good-will  can  alone  pro- 
vide that  spiritual  factor  by  whose  aid  the  practical  difficulties 
of  the  impact  and  intercourse  of  the  nations  and  races  can  be 
satisfactorily  solved. 

Let  all  true  patriots  of  every  land  join  in  this  noble  work. 

Sidney  L.  Gulick. 


87 


